Binge Eating Disorder (BED) can sometimes be referred to as “overeating”, “emotional eating” or “addictive eating” with people describing the behaviour as uncontrollable, eating past the point of fullness or to the point of feeling ill or “sick”. Generally, this is not something that happens occasionally, it would be a regular occurrence.
Do I have Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?
Start by asking yourself if you identify with any of the following?
Secret eating, hiding or stock piling food (fear of scarcity), mindless eating (e.g., eating in front of a screen, not being aware of how much you have eaten until you have finished), emotionally/ emotional eating, history of yoyo dieting having tried many other weight loss options and diets, food noise (e.g., thinking a lot about food) particularly when stressed, tired, anxious or mood is low, clean plate thinking (believing you cannot leave any food on your plate), fear of wasting food. As a result, this can bring about guilt, shame, isolation, feeling self-conscious or disgusting, avoiding having photographs taken, missing out on events or occasions.
Clients or people with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) can have very negative thoughts about themselves and get stuck in a cycle of self-deprecation, filled with shame, embarrassment, isolation and anxiety, sometimes leading to low mood and depression. Unfortunately, clients or people with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) can describe themselves as “greedy”, “lacking self-control or will-power”, referring to themselves as “lazy”, “unmotivated”, or “disgusting”.
People with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) who have a higher BMI or are in a larger body can be given the diagnoses/ label of obesity due to their weight but quite often the underlying issues or causes are overlooked or not explored. This can leave a person with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) feeling a failure, and can further push the person into a binge-restriction cycle where the person can binge on foods, usually secretively, then may restrict for long periods of the day leading to extreme hunger kicking in and binging to take place again.
People with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) usually encounter medical professionals initially for physical conditions such as general tiredness or lethargy, joint pain, back pain, stomach/ digestive issues such as reflux (GERD), constipation or diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, sleep-apnoea (breathing difficulties or stopping breathing during sleep) resulting in poor sleep patterns, high blood pressure, blood results may come back showing liver or blood sugar imbalances, type 2 diabetes or risk of developing type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. General mental health concerns such as anxiety, insomnia, low mood or depression can also be common presentations medical professional see without the person disclosing their eating behaviours and thoughts.
People with higher BMIs or in a larger body may have been referred for bariatric or weight loss surgery or discussions around weight loss medications may have taken place such as:
GLP-1 receptor agonist used in the treatment for diabetes but also now referred to by some as “weight loss injections” e.g., ozempic / wegovy – semaglutide, mounjaro – trizepatide, saxenda – liraglutide or oral medications such as orlistat / Xenical, bupropion and Vyvanse – lisdexamfetamine (usually used in the treatment for ADHD).
However, these measures or interventions can not be used in isolation without considering the psychological and practical factors that can lead to a person developing Binge Eating Disorder (BED)and the NEDRC Binge Eating Disorder (BED) programme that can work in conjunction with these medical treatments.
For example, the person with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) may have experienced trauma in their life, have ADHD or ASD (autistic), this combined with the fact that habits are created that can be difficult to break alone. It is important for the person to not blame themselves or feel they don’t deserve or isn’t worthy of help.
It is important for the person with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) to understand that this condition or illness has physical and psychological components and treatment requires interventions for each of these components. It is unfair to think that a person can resolve this condition by themselves, the person needs a multidisciplinary approach, experienced in Binge Eating Disorder (BED), in order to uncover, address and resolve these issues in order to break free and move on with their life in a healthier way.
An overview of treatment for BED at NEDRC will involve:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy),
- DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy),
- CFT (Compassion Focused Therapy),
- IP (Interpersonal Psychotherapy),
- Body image work,
- Weekly family education with one of our Dietitians,
- Weekly family education with our Social Worker/ Family Therapist,
- Group and individual work with therapists (Psychologists/ Psychotherapists),
- Group and individual work with Peer Support Worker,
- Group and individual work with Key Worker,
- Group and individual work with Dietitians,
- 24/7 support and care from our wonderful team of experienced Nurses,
- Mindful movement on a group and individual basis,
- Psychiatry & medical involvement,
- Occupational Therapy (OT) working in practical skills groups and the opportunity to “reset” and “relearn” new ways from the old, long-term habits.
Further exploration into the person’s individual story and their goals will guide the treatment provided and interventions used. The team will support and guide you but we will also be guided by what your individual goals are.
If you would like to discuss the concerns you have about a love one, contact NEDRC in confidence. We are happy to listen and guide you through.
NEDRC can help you and your loved one take that vital step to regain a happy, healthy life. Please use the contact details below to find out about our eating disorder treatment options available to you and your loved one. Contact NEDRC
Telephone: 01 564 4450 or Mobile: 087 7755996 / Email enquiries@nedrc.ie
For referrals from Healthcare/ Therapeutic professionals please contact via : referrals@nedrc.ie or healthlink@nedrc.ie or online via Healthlink
Healthmail users can send referrals to healthmail@nedrc.ie
