What immediately comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “eating disorder”? Anorexia perhaps, or bulimia. Does overeating come to mind? Perhaps not, but it should because it is just as serious as these other widely acknowledge disorders.
Over-eating can be a part of life. During break-ups when you consume that tub of Ben and Jerry’s, late night at 2 am when you just need to shove the entire Little John’s meatball sub into your mouth—but sometimes overeating is more than just a once in a while thing. Binge eating is a little known eating disorder that affects many women, some of whom may not even know they have it.
Most people, when the phrase eating disorder comes up, think of bulimia or anorexia. These have become widely acknowledged disorders, and while serious, are not the only ones that can arise. Binge-eating is often thought of as a part of bulimia, but it is also its own serious problem.
Those who suffer from binge-eating overeat on a regular occurrence. Many times they do so in private, because of deep embarrassment. Symptoms of binge-eating include overeating until uncomfortably full, eating even when full, feeling embarrassed or upset about your eating, or losing and gaining weight repeatedly (often called yo-yo dieting). Many people who suffer from binge-eating often use food as a way to escape or to deal with scary or stressful times in their lives. Some may use it to rebel against the “rules” of dieting and to escape the restrictions that society puts on eating and how we are “supposed” to eat.
Many women don’t know that they suffer from binge-eating due to lack of acknowledgement. Many people who gain weight or eat unhealthily are told to simply diet or to control their portions. While this may be sound advice for some, those that suffer from binge-eating do not suffer simply from a lack of self control. The shame that many women feel due to their eating habits refrains them from seeking help, and only leads to symptoms worsening.
Don’t be afraid to seek help and support. If you feel that you may suffer from this, or any other eating disorder, things can get better if you reach out for help.