Binge Eating Disorder

BINGE EATING DISORDER (BED)

Binge Eating Disorder is similar to Bulimia Nervosa, but does not involve purging behaviors. When people with BED binge, they feel the same lack of control as those with Bulimia do. A number of behaviors surface as a part of Binge Eating Disorder, for example eating in the absence of hunger, experiencing extreme fullness, hiding eating due to embarassment and shame, and feeling guilty or disgusted in the aftermath of a binge. Indeed, shame is something that is a part of therapy for Binge Eating Disorder.

THERAPY FOR BINGE EATING DISORDER

INTUITIVE EATING

Intuitive Eating can support those with BED to develop a healthier relationship with food. Those with Binge Eating disorder must learn to give themselves permission to eat all foods. This may seem strange given that those with BED tend to eat all sorts of foods during binges. But the reality is that those with BED eat foods that they judge as “bad.” Thus, while they eat all sorts of foods, it is not with their “permission,” and so they vacillate between being “good” and eating nutrient dense foods or being “bad” and eating play foods. So, much of the work here is to learn to make space for all foods at the table.

Once all foods are allowed, individuals cease trying to cram in foods that they enjoy but “shouldn’t” eat, and start to have freedom to actually listen to their hunger and fullness cues in order to optimize their overall enjoyment in satisfaction. It doesn’t take long for people to appreciate that the experience of eating past fullness usually is so unpleasant that it isn’t worth the enjoyable tastes associated with overeating.

CBT-E

CBT-E is also central to the treatment of BED. As with Anorexia and Bulimia, CBT-E for BED focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which binge eating is triggered and perpetuated. Thus, regular eating is a main focus of treatment in order to support individuals in not being triggered to overeat as a direct result of extreme hunger. CBT-E also helps people with Binge Eating Disorder better understand how their disorder operates and what belief systems maintaining their eating disorder. This supports individuals in making changes that will support their overall well-being.