Binge Eating Disorder Treatment

There’s often guilt with this condition and fear of not being “sick enough” for treatment. That’s why a lot of binge eating disorders go on without help longer than they should. Our admissions team is trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of BED and provide next steps.

As is the case with all of our diagnoses, medical stabilization is a necessary first step. Then from there, our clinicians can begin work on making sure that recovery is lasting and holistic. Similar to the way we treat bulimia and other binge/purging disorders, it’s good to craft a meal plan in nutrition therapy. This helps our BED clients to retrain their bodies on fullness cues. 

A meal plan made with one of our dietitians is an important building block for success in therapy. With normalized eating habits and essential nutrients, people suffering from BED are able to establish regular eating patterns. This helps to stabilize their internal systems. Regular, balanced meals are an important tool to prevent triggering an overeating binge ritual.

At EDRS, BED is typically treated through a combination of psychotherapy, nutrition therapy, and recovery coaching sessions. Therapy work focuses on self-compassion and interpersonal family systems, intuitive and mindful eating skills. This also includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and deep work on emotion regulation. If needed, clients with BED might also start in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This is where all of these services are available in a more frequent and structured format.

If you think you are suffering please consider binge eating disorder treatment. Don’t hesitate to speak with a specialist on our team. Call today.

Helpful Screening Questions for Binge Eating Disorder Treatment

• Do you ever eat, within a short period of time (for example, 2 hours), much more food than most people would eat under similar circumstances?
• During these episodes, do you feel like you can’t stop eating or control what or how much you’re eating?
• How often do these episodes happen (for example, once a week, several times a week, daily)?
• When did you first start noticing these episodes?

Have you answered yes to any of these questions or find that the episodes are happening frequently? If so, contact our admissions team today for a full assessment. Help is available and you’re not alone.

Medical Complications of Binge Eating Disorder

• Cardiovascular problems: Increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Metabolic disorders: Higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Frequent bloating, acid reflux, and discomfort due to overeating.
• Sleep disturbances: Conditions like sleep apnea are more common among individuals with BED.
• Joint pain: At times binging or compulsive eating can lead to increased strain on joints.
• Psychological distress: Feelings of shame, guilt, and depression often accompany BED.

Like many other eating disorders, BED comes with many health concerns. It can lead to long-term complications. If you believe you have BED, it’s important to consult with your PCP and reach out to an eating disorder professional. To learn more about intuitive eating and trusting your fullness cues. Call today.

Prevalence (NIH)

• ~1.25% of adult women
• ~0.42% of adult men
• The average age at which binge eating disorder first occurs is 25 years.
• Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, and it affects people of all racial and ethnic groups.

BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States and has the closest comparisons between the amount of women and men it annually affects. If you believe you are experiencing this disorder, you are not alone. Binge eating disorder  treatment for BED has come a long way, and many people suffering from BED find success with a therapeutic approach. To learn more about what this could be like for you, reach out to admissions today. 

Psychological and Co-Occurring Factors

• Depression and anxiety: Many people with BED also suffer from mood disorders.
• Bipolar disorder: May have overlapping emotional and personality challenges associated with Bipolar, particularly emotional instability.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Some individuals exhibit compulsive behaviors related to eating.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Impulsivity associated with ADHD can contribute to binge eating episodes.
• Substance use disorders: There may be a higher incidence of substance abuse among those with BED.

Many people suffering from BED also suffer from another co-occurring condition. These can interfere with and inform the eating disorder behaviors. Using therapy, recovery coaching, and nutrition therapy, our work at EDRS aims to address the whole picture. This leads to better binge eating disorder treatment.

If you think that your BED may be connected to another mental health condition, talk to an eating disorder professional today. Click here to contact our admissions team. 

Binge Eating Disorder Risk Factors:

• Genetic predisposition: A family history of eating disorders or obesity can elevate risk. 
• Psychological factors: Negative body image, low self-esteem, and perfectionism are common among those with BED.
• Dieting history: Chronic dieting or restrictive eating can lead to episodes of binge eating.
• Trauma and stress: Experiences of abuse or significant life stressors can trigger or worsen BED.
• Cultural influences: Societal pressures and media portrayals of ideal body types can contribute to disordered eating behaviors.

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes any eating disorder. However, we do know that many risk factors are involved with any diagnosis. At EDRS, we create a personalized treatment plan for your symptoms. With our eating disorder professionals, we can reflect your unique goals.