Symptoms - Binge eating disorder (BED)

Binge eating disorder (BED) involves regularly eating large portions of food all at once until you feel uncomfortably full. This is often followed by feelings of upset or guilt.

Binges can be impulsive but are also often planned in advance. The person may buy 'special' binge foods.

Symptoms

The main symptom of binge eating disorder is eating very large amounts of food in a short time. This is often done in an out-of-control way.

Symptoms may also include:

• eating very fast during a binge
• eating until you feel uncomfortably full
• eating when you're not hungry
• eating alone or in secret
• feeling depressed, guilty, ashamed or disgusted after binge eating

People who eat in this way on a regular basis may have binge eating disorder.

Warning signs

Signs that someone has an eating disorder can include:

• eating a lot of food, very fast
• trying to hide how much they are eating
• storing up supplies of food
• exercising too much
• frequent changes in weight

Getting help for an eating disorder

If you think you may have an eating disorder, see your GP as soon as you can.

Your GP will ask you questions about your eating habits and how you're feeling. They will also do a full health check. This will include measuring your weight and height, as well as taking your blood pressure and pulse rate. It may also include blood tests.

If you have an eating disorder, your GP will refer you to an eating disorder specialist.

It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and to ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring someone you trust with you to your appointment.

You can get more information and support from Bodywhys.

Getting help for someone else

If you're concerned that a family member or friend may have binge eating disorder, let them know you're worried about them.

Encourage them to see their GP. You could offer to go along with them.

Causes

We do not know exactly what causes binge eating disorder and other eating disorders.

You may be more likely to get an eating disorder if you:

• have a family history of eating disorders, depression, or alcohol or drug addiction
• have been bullied
• are criticised for your eating habits, body shape or weight
• are overly concerned with being slim
• have anxiety, low self-esteem, an obsessive personality or are a perfectionist