I think I May Have Binge Eating Disorder

by Beth
(Bristol, UK)

April 26, 2010
I think I may have Binge Eating Disorder.

Hello. I have been reading about Binge Eating Disorder lately and several things made me think that this is what I have got. I try not to eat but then I binge on anything that is in the house. It doesn’t matter what it is. Not necessarily chocolates and all that sweet stuff. It can be just tins of potatos or bread. Or cheese. Snackpots. Doritos. Anything that happens to be in the fridge or cupboards. I love eating but then I’ll spoil everything by carrying on until I feel sick and stupid and hate myself for it. I’ve never tried to throw up afterwards or anything like that because I know that’s really bad for your health. But I would love to be able to stop binge eating the way I do. I know I should just stop. And I do for a while. But it seems that as soon as I start to feel better about myself, I go and start binge eating again. I don’t really understand why I do it. I hope to find out more from your website. How do I start to get over this? I’ve been doing it on and off for years now (I’m 48 and feel so silly because I am old enough and intelligent enough to know better!)
Thank you for any tips you can give

Beth (UK)




Matt C replies:

Hello Beth,
You really do not have to feel that you are silly. Eating problems can affect anyone of any age, intelligence or background. And these things can be difficult to overcome on our own. We all need some help and support sometimes, and I hope you find some for yourself soon. It is very common for someone to struggle with an eating problem for many, many years before they finally get the help they need.
One of the first things to do is exactly what you are doing – and that is by learning all you can about Binge Eating and eating disorders. There is lots of help and support out there. Have a look at our Eating Disorder Treatment pages, especially: http://www.coping-with-binge-eating.com/eating-disorder-help.html
for contacts and websites such as BEAT who have helplines and support groups around the country.
The more you learn, the more you will understand about your own body, needs and feelings, and the more you will be enabled to stat to turn things around for good. Knowledge is power!!
The other important thing right from the start is to concentrate on stabilising your eating pattern. You said in your question “I try not to eat but then…” One of the most common triggers for binge eating is restricting our food intake too much. You can read far more about this on our pages all about Binge Eating Disorder. So even if you have binged one day – do NOT restrict your intake the next to try to make up for it. Stick to having regular meals throughout the day – breakfast, midday and evening, with a healthy snack inbetween meals if needed (see our pages on blood sugars for why this is so important).
The other important thing is of course to speak to your doctor about it. Make a list of all the symptoms you are experiencing that lead you to be concerned that you may have Binge Eating Disorder and see your doctor for a consultation. They can help to rule out any other underlying medical problems and refer you onto see a specialist in eating disorders.

Good luck and good health

Matt C