Understanding binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) remains a complex and often misunderstood condition, deeply affecting both the mental and physical well-being of those it touches. As we delve into Eating Disorder Awareness Month, Eliza Cheng, RD, dietitian, and Ivannia Alay LCSW Clinical Therapist 2, at Loma Linda Behavioral Health, shed light on the prevalence, misconceptions, and, most importantly, the avenues for support and recovery available to individuals silently battling this disorder.

BED is a serious mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food within a discrete period, accompanied by a sense of loss of control and distress. Unlike other eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa, individuals with BED do not engage in compensatory behaviors, such as purging or excessive exercise, following binge episodes. The disorder often manifests as a coping mechanism for dealing with emotions, stress, or trauma, with individuals using food as a means of comfort or escape. BED affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and can lead to significant physical and psychological consequences if left untreated.

Alay says BED often flies under the radar, particularly within certain communities such as the LatinX population. This under-recognition can stem from a myriad of factors, spanning from historical trauma to childhood experiences of food insecurity.

The impact of BED extends far beyond mere consumption patterns; it corrodes mental health and exacerbates physical discomfort and medical complications if left unaddressed. Individuals grappling with BED may find themselves ensnared in a web of secrecy, from concealing wrappers to avoiding certain foods in public settings. The signs are often subtle, requiring delicate navigation and a compassionate approach from loved ones.

Therapeutic interventions play a pivotal role in the recovery journey of individuals grappling with binge eating disorder. Alay stresses the importance of exploring emotions and underlying traumas, utilizing mindfulness techniques, and fostering a supportive environment conducive to healing.

From a nutritional standpoint, individuals wrestling with BED face a unique set of challenges. Cheng emphasizes the importance of addressing nutritional imbalances stemming from prolonged periods of food restriction and the binge-restrict cycle. A balanced diet, coupled with self-regulation coping skills, forms the cornerstone of nutritional healing for those navigating BED.

“Eating disorders are complicated, and they need to be handled by trained professionals and a multi-disciplinary team,” Alay says. “All eating disorders are a disorder of emotions and disconnection, the goal is to reconnect and explore emotions to help patients come back to themselves and eliminate maladaptive coping.”

If you or a loved one suffers from an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, we can help. Our eating disorders program helps adolescents and adults who use food to cope with stress, anxiety or other conflicts build a healthy relationship with food. Learn more here.