Binge eating disorder and the signs to look out for
LISA SALMON speaks to two experts to discuss how parents can help young people with the condition
WE ALL overeat sometimes, but for one in 50 people, including children and teenagers, overeating turns into the most common but least understood eating problem – binge eating disorder.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is far more than just being greedy – it’s a serious mental illness which, along with other eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, may have got worse for some during the pandemic, due to the uncertainty, stress, and lack of support networks.
This year’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week (March 1-7) focuses on binge eating, and while the disorder can affect anyone of any age or gender, it’s known that most eating disorders begin in adolescence – although sometimes, they can start even younger.
Tom Quinn, director of external affairs for the eating disorders charity Beat (beateatingdisorders.org. uk), says: “Binge Eating Disorder is a serious mental illness. It’s not about choosing to eat more food than usual, nor are people who suffer from it just ‘overindulging’ – far from being enjoyable, binges are very distressing, and sufferers find it difficult to stop during a binge, even if they want to.”
Kerrie Jones, who runs the eating disorder day care treatment centre Orri (orri-uk.com) says: “People with Binge Eating Disorder often talk of going into a trance-like state when they binge, and they may engage in drastic and abnormal behaviours to get hold of food, such as stealing or eating food that’s been thrown away.
“There’s no pleasure involved with bingeing – it’s a compulsive act and often a response to emotional distress.”
Here, Kerrie and Tom discuss the symptoms of BED, and how parents can spot the signs in their child and help them...
What are the symptoms of BED?
Signs vary, says Tom, but often include eating when not hungry or until uncomfortably full, hoarding food, avoiding eating around others, withdrawing socially and isolating, and weight gain.
Unlike people with bulimia, binge eaters don’t try to get rid of the food they’ve eaten by vomiting, although they may fast afterwards. Feelings of self-disgust and self-harming may also be part of the disorder, says Kerrie, as well as perfectionism, depression, conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety, low self-esteem and a preoccupation with body image and appearance.
She says: “It’s common for people to feel trapped within a cycle of bingeing and restricting – it can feel extremely out of control, and there can be a lot of shame associated with bingeing, causing people to isolate and become more secretive around food and their emotional
state.”
What causes BED?
Tom says that while the exact cause isn’t known, it’s likely to be down to a combination of biological and social factors. “The most common precursor to a binge is low mood, and it’s thought binges may occur in response to challenging emotions and difficult life events.”
What’s the difference between binge eating and being greedy?
Overeating occasionally is normal, says Tom. “But if your child is experiencing the symptoms of binge eating disorder regularly, this could be a cause for concern.”
In such cases, parents should speak to their GP, he advises.
How can parents help young people with BED?
As soon as you suspect something’s wrong, talk to your child, picking a calm time when they’re receptive, advises Kerrie.
“Approach the topic gently,” she says, “keeping in mind that despite what it looks like, eating disorders
are not about food. Rather, food is a symptom of much more complex, underlying emotional causes, and it’s likely your child will be struggling with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety.
“Focusing on food behaviours in isolation may cause them to become defensive or to deny their experience, and it’s very important to ensure lines of communication are kept open.”
Tom suggests parents ask their child how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking. He adds that, “it can be helpful to remind them you can hear they’re upset and how difficult things are, and you’ll be there to help them if they need you.”
Could this be my fault?
It’s nobody’s fault that a child develops an eating disorder, stresses Tom, who points out: “It can feel overwhelming to have a loved one diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder, and it’s important to remember that neither they or you are to blame.”
What else can parents do?
Both experts say it’s important for parents to educate themselves about BED – there’s plenty of information on Beat’s website. “Your child may be equally concerned or confused by what they’re going through, so do your research,” advises Kerrie.
Finding specialist help is also vitally important, she stresses, pointing out that an eating disorder psychotherapist, psychologist or clinic, combined with a specialist dietitian, can help young people and their families take important steps towards recovery.
Is a full recovery possible?
Tom and Kerrie both believe that with the right help, it’s possible to make a full and sustained recovery from BED.
Kerrie says eating disorder experts work to heal the underlying cause of the problem, by giving sufferers the tools they need for long-term, sustainable recovery, and giving them hope.
Tom adds: “Recovery will vary from person to person – some recovered people may still experience eating disorder thoughts from time to time, but not allow them to take effect by using the coping techniques they have learned.”
■ Call the Beat Youthline for under 18s on 0808 801 0711.
BBC Breakfast presenter, Football Focus and NFL Show host Dan Walker has endured his fair share of physical and mental challenges over the years.
The keen sportsman and broadcaster has dislocated his right knee five times, broken his ankle, snapped his Achilles on a five-a-side pitch, and spent three days on an isolation ward because the doctors thought he had a rare form of meningitis (it turned out not to be).
He has talked about the vile insults he’s encountered from trolls on social media, and in his new book, Remarkable People, writes movingly about tear-jerking stories that have touched him personally – from the death of his friend, football pundit Gary Speed, to the heartfelt testimony of a woman whose son died in the Manchester Arena bombing.
Here, committed Christian Dan, 43 – who lives in Sheffield with wife Sarah and three children, Susie, 13, Jessica, 11 and Joe, 10, and cockapoo Winnie – tells us more...
How do you cope with the tragedies you’ve covered?
I still get upset, but there’s nothing wrong with that. In my professional life, I switch on my professional brain.
But there are times when you’re speaking to people who’ve been through absolute heartbreak, and you can’t not show natural human emotions. I do get tearful at times but I don’t mind that.
You say you don’t like hospitals – is that because of what happened to your daughter Susie in 2008, when she was rushed to hospital after suffering intussusception (the bowel collapses causing a blockage)?
I was covering a match in Blackburn when my wife rang to say Susie (aged just nine months) was being bluelighted to the emergency children’s unit at Chelsea and Westminster, I grabbed my things and went to the car park, only to find my car had been hemmed in.
I’ve never been a ranter but I remember standing in the car park thinking, ‘How can this be happening? How can I be so far away from my wife and family when all this was kicking off?’
Every part of my body was screaming, ‘I need to go!’
Thankfully I got there and the doctors did an amazing job (to reinflate the bowel). I’m thankful to the doctor in the ambulance with Sarah, and the doctors who treated Susie and knew what they needed to be doing.
Given the number of tragic stories you’ve covered over the years, have you ever had counselling?
No, never. My faith really keeps me grounded and provides the balance in my life. My wife and I have a really good relationship and talk to each other a lot about things, and I also have a very strong faith and a grounding, which provides a balance and a sense of priorities in life.
I have turned down jobs that required me to work on a Sunday. I made that decision a long time ago and it’s a really positive thing for me and my family. It reminds me of my priorities in life.
How have others in your profession reacted to your faith?
Sometimes you are mocked, but that’s something I accept. I don’t mind people taking the mickey out of me, I’m not too precious about it.
Some people don’t understand it, which is fine, other people want to talk to me about it, which is fine.
It’s a really important part of who I am. It informs the person that I am, the journalist that I am, the broadcaster and the father and husband that I am.
From my experience, I like to think it helps with perspective and understanding and empathy. I think it grounds you in lots of different aspects of life.
How do you view the criticism you’ve faced from breakfast TV rival Piers Morgan, who you’ve been sparring with on Twitter for some time?
Piers is brilliant at his job. I’ve known him for quite a few years and we get on well.
I went to his 50th birthday party about 40 years ago.
We’ve played golf a few times. He’s
big pantomime villain and I think that underneath all that froth, there’s a nice bloke fighting to get out.
It’s really important with social media to get a perspective. I know I’m valued by God, so I don’t need to be validated by what people think of me. That helps me not to be affected by some of the truly horrible things people say to you on social media.
Are you trolled a lot?
Yeah, but I’ve the skin of a rhino so I don’t really mind about that.
How do you keep fit these days?
Every injury I’ve ever picked up is sport-related. I played football every Tuesday night until I snapped my Achilles about three years ago.
I play golf with mates. It’s really important to switch your brain off at times, and that’s why I love golf. It’s probably the one time I put my phone away. I love the quietness of it.
Do you have lasting aches and pains?
I just have tall person bad back syndrome and I don’t think that’s ever going to change. I’m 6ft 6ins and it’s hard to stand up straight all the time.
I take good care of myself but in the last year, I’ve had to start doing yoga. I do this six-minute hip activation two or three times a week. I’ve got very tight bum cheeks, so I do the yoga before exercise to loosen up the hip flexors. I think it helps.
Are you careful about what you eat?
One of the reasons I exercise is because I love cake and I love curry. If I don’t exercise, then my cake and curry needs will force me to get new suits.
I love food. It’s one of life’s great pleasures. I had an unbelievable iced
bun yesterday. It was magnificent.
LIVING well is important at any age, but experts say our health priorities can change as we get older.
While the principles of exercising regularly, eating well and managing stress will always be relevant, there may also be specific things you can do – at each milestone decade – to make sure you’re harnessing your full healthy potential.
So, what are they? We asked health experts to share their tips for happy, healthy aging, and looking after yourself at different stages of life...
In your 20s you should... support your bones and set good habits
Our bones carry on developing into our late-20s, so it’s important we continue to get plenty of calcium and vitamin D during these years, says Dr Naveen Puri, a lead physician at Bupa Health Clinics (bupa.co.uk).
As well as eating a good diet and taking supplements where necessary, he adds that resistancebased exercise, like weight training, can help strengthen bones, as well as repetitive activities such as hiking, jogging and playing tennis.
“Once your bones stop growing, they typically stop getting stronger and can slowly weaken in the longer term,” warns Dr Puri. “As such, helping them develop in your 20s will set good foundations as you get older.”
Your early adult life is also a great time to avoid making too many unhealthy lifestyle choices.
“When we’re young, we might not notice the impact of drinking too much or smoking, but now is the ideal time to minimise these habits,” says Dr Puri.
“Drinking too much on a regular basis is linked to a host of long-term health conditions, from high blood pressure and heart disease, through to liver disease and certain types of cancer. Similarly, smoking is linked to issues like cancer, heart and lung disease, strokes, and diabetes.”
In your 30s you should... eat well and protect your mental health
As you move into your 30s, you might start noticing some subtle body changes as your metabolism slows down. “This is perfectly normal, but does mean it becomes important to eat well,” says Dr Puri. Although it’s tempting to find a quick-fix for those stubborn extra pounds, don’t turn to fad diets. “Instead, look at making smaller, sustainable changes,” he advises. “Try to avoid grazing and stick to three meals a day, including high-fibre foods like wholegrain bread or brown rice, and protein like chicken or tofu. Also aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. “Elsewhere, try and avoid foods that are high in sugar or saturated fat.” At this time of life, many people may find themselves in more stressful situations. This can come from sources such as career responsibilities or family life.
Dr Puri says: “Relaxation therapies – like meditation, yoga or mindfulness – may be helpful, and it’s also important to know where to turn.”
In your 40s you should... maintain a good diet
It’s believed that almost one in 20 people in the UK are living with diabetes. While type 1 diabetes can occur at any age and is not linked with weight or lifestyle, generally speaking, type 2 is more likely to develop in over-40s, and this form of diabetes is often associated with factors like weight and diet.
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle may help prevent type 2 diabetes, as well as being important if you are diagnosed.
“Maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly is key to managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In some cases, you can reverse type 2 diabetes with the right diet and exercise,” says LloydsPharmacy pharmacist Anshu Kaura (lloydspharmacy.com).
Anshu advises to “always consult your GP before making any diet or lifestyle changes, especially if you have an underlying condition”.
In your 50s you should... check your breasts and prostate regularly
Giles Davies, lead surgeon and director of breast surgery at Cromwell Hospital (cromwellhospital.com), says it’s really important for women to check for the signs of breast cancer in their 50s.
“Women should check their breasts from a young age – ideally in their late-teens or 20s – but it becomes even more important as you get older,” he notes. “Around 80% of breast cancers happen in women over 50, so it’s important you attend your screenings.
“It’s also vital you know the signs of breast cancer, so you can act on any concerns. One of the most common signs is a new lump in the breast area or armpit, though women may also experience nipple discharge, skin changes, or a change in size or shape to either one or both of the breasts.”
Men should also get regular prostate checks. Professor Hashim Ahmed, consultant urological surgeon at Cromwell Hospital, says: “Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst men in the UK.
“Problems with urinating can often be one of the first signs that something is wrong, especially if the cancer is pressing on, or growing near the urethra. Other common indications may include needing to pee more frequently, often during the night, or finding it more difficult to start or stop urinating.”
These symptoms don’t always mean you have cancer. However, getting things checked out quickly is always sensible. And in some cases, cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms so it’s important to keep up with regular health checks.
In your 60s you should... look after your joints
Joint pain is very common as we get older, and it’s often caused by osteoarthritis, or wear and tear. Lifestyle measures may help prevent these problems worsening, as well as helping ease flare-ups.
Keeping physically active can still be very important. If you are concerned about joint pain and exercise, speak to your GP and perhaps a physiotherapist for tailored advice.
Anshu adds: “For those experiencing joint pain in winter, a cod liver oil supplement may help.
“Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids help support the body’s anti-inflammatory response, which can in turn help to prevent joint conditions such as arthritis from deteriorating.”
Drinking too much ...is linked to a host of long-term health conditions
Dr Naveen Puri on bad habits
In your 70s and beyond you should... keep active
Experts say even people in their 70s should look to undertake some form of exercise every day, but it doesn’t need to be anything as intense as marathon running.
Lin Seeley, wellbeing co-ordinator at Bupa Sandhills Court care home, says: “Light activity, such as a brisk walk or a bike ride, will still provide good benefits.
“People should try to clock up about two-and-a-half hours of this a week.
“Some great exercises for this can include gentle weightlifting or aerobics. Yoga and Pilates are also great options and can easily be adapted to suit anyone’s ability.”