@PookyH [email protected] Binge Eating Disorder Warning Signs & Characteristics Dr Pooky...

@PookyH www.inourhands.com [email protected]

Binge Eating Disorder Warning Signs

& Characteristics

Dr Pooky Knightsmith


Warning Signs

One or two of these warning signs may not be indicative of

Binge Eating disorder.

However, if you notice several of these signs then

you are right to be concerned.

People with binge eating disorder are routinely dismissed as being lazy or greedy. This is not the case. Binge eating disorder is a recognised mental health issue which needs support and treatment.


Increasing Weight

You’ll notice that weight steadily increases more rapidly than

would be expected according to normal growth charts. This may

be despite the fact that the young person concerned is seen to be actively trying to control

their weight by eating healthily.


Lack of Control

When eating, somebody with binge eating disorder will often feel a complete lack of control. A part of them may want to stop but they may feel completely unable to do

so.

“It was like I was being controlled by remote and I couldn’t find the stop

button.”


Eating Rapidly

During a binge, eating often happens very rapidly.

“I barely paused to chew – people talk about inhaling their food, I was basically doing just that. I could eat five thousand

calories in a few minutes.”


Eating When Full

A binge does not rely on hunger. Someone with binge eating disorder may eat large quantities of food even in the absence of hunger. They may also constantly snack

and never feel satiated.

“However much I eat I never stop. I never feel full and I never feel happy.”


Hiding or Stealing Food

Binges often involve eating a very large amount of food. In order to prepare for

binges, a sufferer may stockpile food. If they are unable to afford food, it is not

uncommon for sufferers to either steal food.

If you are aware of a child stealing food it is always worth exploring further as it can be

indicative of neglect, binge eating or an unhealthy attachment to food in the absence

of an attachment to a primary caregiver.


Eating Relieves Stress

Someone with binge eating disorder will often have no other way of managing their

emotions other than by eating. For this reason, the disorder is sometimes referred

to as emotional overeating. Sufferers often talk about having their pain numbed

for a little while.

“Whenever I was upset or anxious I turned first to food.”


Guilt after Eating

People suffering with binge eating disorder are often acutely aware of the fact they are overweight and will feel very guilty after a binge. The shame and guilt they feel following a binge can be a key factor in maintaining the cycle of the disorder as

it contributes further to their low mood and lack of self-worth making future

binges more likely.

Need more support?

Dr Pooky Knightsmith specialises in mental health and emotional well-being in the school setting. She can provide training sessions or workshops for school staff, parents or students on a variety of topics, including self-harm and eating disorders.

For further information and free resources visit www.inourhands.com

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @PookyH

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