Unlike people with bulimia, an individual with a binge eating disorder does not tend to purge afterwards, i.e. induce vomiting or misuse laxatives but there may be periods of fasting between them, thus sparking more bingeing due to feelings of hunger and food deprivation.  For others, certain food rules may be introduced.

Binges can be either planned in advance or may occur spontaneously.  Some may even have ‘special binge food’ which is purchased solely with the intention to binge on.  Generally, the act of bingeing is carried out when the person is alone, generating secrecy and leading to tremendous feelings of remorse and embarrassment.

Contrary to popular belief, binge eating is not about ‘choosing’ to eat vast quantities of food, nor is it just simply over-indulging.  For people with binge eating disorder, binges are not enjoyable, they are incredibly distressing, with many describing it as being disconnected from what they are doing and, in some cases, not even being able to recall what has just been consumed.

These feelings of guilt and disgust at their lack of control and will-power before, during and after a binge often perpetuate the cyclical bundle of negative emotions thus leading to more binge eating and restricting.  There are many factors that can propel an individual’s urge to binge eat.  These include (but are not exclusive to) feelings of:

• Boredom
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Upset
• Low mood
• Loneliness

However, it is also not uncommon for people to binge eat when they are feeling happy or excited about something.  The act of bingeing can become habitual and ritualistic, with the individual concerned constantly overthinking and planning the content of their next binge.  These feelings are so distressing and uncontrollable that they themselves can force a binge.

As with other eating disorders, there are many health, both physical and emotional, implications for someone struggling with this condition.  Below are some examples of health implications caused by binge eating :

• Weight gain perhaps leading to chronic obesity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Certain types of cancer
• Respiratory difficulties
• Mobility issues
• Lack of self-confidence and/or belief
• Low mood
• Isolation
• Avoidance of certain situations
• Depression
• Increased anxiety
• Self-loathing

Indications of a binge eating disorder include:

• Eating too fast or rapidly and not recognising how much is being consumed accompanied perhaps by a disconnection of feelings
• Obsessional and persistent thoughts about food
• Hiding food from others due to shame and embarrassment of binges
• Eating alone secretly
• Emotional eating in response to difficult life experiences and situations
• Consuming large amounts of food despite having just finished a meal or when not feeling hungry
• Bingeing to compensate deep feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment and self-esteem

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