Binge Eating Disorder is a real disorder.  It is the most common eating disorder in the United States and can be severe or life threatening.. but it is also treatable.

Binge Eating Disorder is defined as repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food, usually in a short period of time, to the point of discomfort.  There is a feeling of loss of control during the binge oftentimes resulting in feelings of shame, distress, and guilt afterwards.  The binge episode occurs without the regular use of unhealthy measures such as purging or laxative use. 

A binge episode is associated with eating more rapidly than normal, eating till uncomfortably full, eating large amounts of food when not hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment, disgust with self, and feeling depressed or guilty afterwards. The duration is at least once a week for 3 months.  Clinical obesity, weight stigma, and weight cycling are often associated with binge eating disorder. 

Binge eating disorder is a serious problem for a lot of people and should be taken seriously. These are the 10 most common signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder:

1.Lack of control over food consumption.

2.Eating quickly.

3.It is not bulimia - the self-induced purging part does not exist.

4.Overflow of emotions - such as guilt, sadness,disgust, similar to addiction, self-loathing, depression.

5.Binge-eating alone - alienation from loved ones, friends, and family due to the shame and embarrassment over their lack of control.

6.Normal eating to outsiders.

7.Hiding food - in order to keep the binging a secret.

8.No set meal time - binging in private may not coincide with set meal times.

9.Obesity - those who suffer from binge eating disorder never seem full and are not satisfied, despite the amounts of food they may binge on. This may cause obesity which can bring on a slew of health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other medical problems.

10.Mental Health - Binge eating disorder has a strong mental health component linked to stress, anxiety, and depression. Sufferers may have issues with control, struggle with loneliness, poor self esteem, and body image issues.  The deeper they fall into these problems, the more the binge eating progresses, turning into an unhealthy cycle that affects them both physically and mentally. 

Eating is important to all of us. However, like anything there is a fine line of balance required to be beneficial.  Anything in extreme, be it too little or too much, is walking into dangerous territory.  When an eating disorder becomes the result, it is time to speak to a professional.

Pathways to Peace can help with the suffering related to binge eating disorder... For more information, contact Maria Nemec, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Eating Disorders Therapist, and Owner of Pathways to Peace, located in Lake Mary, Florida.