Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by consuming large amounts of food to the point of discomfort, compounded by feelings of guilt for what many sufferers view as a lack of self-control.
While eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are more well known, BED is actually the United States’ most common eating disorder. Although binge eating is a characteristic of bulimia, the two differ widely—most especially because those who suffer from BED do not take part in the purging behavior commonly associated with bulimia. Here is a look at a few other myths surrounding binge eating disorder.
Binge eating is totally normal.
Yes, there’s a pretty good chance that nearly everyone has sat down and eaten a large amount of food at some point. However, there’s a huge difference between the occasional overindulgence of a special occasion and feeling like you have a complete inability to control your food intake. And it’s important to understand the difference so you can help yourself or provide support for someone you love.
There’s not much you can do about BED.
BED is not only a nutritional problem—it has a psychological component as well. Each case is different, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get help. Underlying issues generally need to be attended to before the activity itself can begin to be managed; counseling or psychotherapy are often extremely helpful in managing BED.
Since the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) finally recognized BED as an issue, that means insurance will usually help cover a lot of the cost of treatment. A variety of medications and life plan options have been extremely effective in helping individuals overcome their eating disorder.
BED is just an excuse for obesity.
Again, binge eating disorder is a recognized, diagnosable eating disorder in the DSM, and it consists of much more than just a little overeating. It isn’t an excuse, it isn’t a quirky personality trait, but it is most definitely a real issue. Although BED can lead to obesity, and although some people dealing with BED are obese, it is not an overweight person’s disease.
BED isn’t really that dangerous.
An unhealthy diet is dangerous for anyone—and BED is way more than just an unhealthy diet. The weight gain correlation associated with BED of course carries its own risks, such as heart disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, blood pressure issues. Nearly every disease becomes more dangerous or more likely when you’re overweight.
However, the especially concerning problems at hand with eating disorders are the mental issues that accompany them. Substance abuse, suicidal tendencies, depression, and social isolation are just a few of the overwhelming problems that are commonly seen amongst BED sufferers.
