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