Binge Eating Disorder Treatment

At Beyond we proide Binge Eating Disorder Treatment using a weight inclusive approach and Health at Every Size (HAES) principles.
 
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a mental health condition characterized by recurring episodes of consuming large quantities of food, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress.
 
Treating BED with weight loss is problematic and rooted in anti-fat bias. It is assumed that clients in larger bodies have BED just by body size alone. It is assumed those in smaller bodies or conventionally “normal” size bodies must have anorexia.
 
Treating BED means challenging the societal norms that equate diagnosis and health solely with body weight.

Beyond Therapy and Nutrition Center can support you if you're looking

for treatment for Binge Eating Disorder!

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According to the DSM-5, diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder is:

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• Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following:

1. Eating, in a discrete period of time (for example, within any two-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances

2. A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (for example, a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)

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• The binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:

  • Eating much more rapidly than normal

  • Eating until feeling uncomfortably full

  • Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry

  • Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating

  • Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards

  • Marked distress regarding binge eating is present.

• Binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week for three months.

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• The binge eating is not associated with the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behavior (for example, purging) and does not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

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It is extremely important to note that weight or appearance is not part of the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder.

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Have you ever wondered: Do I have binge eating disorder?

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Diagnosis an eating disorder must be done by an eating disorder therapist

or another qualified health care provider.

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Whether or not you meet diagnostic criteria, knowing that your troubled relationship

with food and body is treatable can provider significant relief.

If you experience any of the following on a regular basis, you may have Binge Eating Disorder: 

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• Do you regularly eat large amounts of food in a specific period of time, often rapidly and until discomfort?

• Do you feel a loss of control with eating during binge eating episodes? 

• Do you feel unable to regulate the amount of food consumed?

• Do you feel bad about the way you eat (feelings of guilt, shame or distress)?

• Do you find yourself eating large amounts of food even when you are not hungry?

• Do you feel you eat alone due to shame?

• Do you find yourself hoarding or hiding food due to shame?

• Do you consume food rapidly during binging, often missing out on the taste and enjoyment of the food?

• Do you feel physical discomfort such as bloating, stomach pain, or nausea after binge eating?

• Do you restrict what you eat? (for example: chronic dieting, weight loss attempts)

• Do you mentally restrict your food (you allow yourself to eat it but feel shame after)

If you answered yes to any of the questions or multiple questions, it may be helpful to talk to a healthcare professional to assess your symptoms, medical history, and potential treatment options!

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Beyond's Treatment Approaches for Binge Eating Disorder

Treating BED with  weight loss is problematic and rooted in anti-fat bias. It is assumed that clients in larger bodies have BED just by body size alone. It is assumed those in smaller bodies or conventionally “normal” size bodies must have anorexia. Treating BED means challenging the societal norms that equate diagnosis and health solely with body weight.

Embracing a Health at Every Size perspective can be particularly impactful. Traditional approaches to treating eating disorders have often focused on weight reduction as a primary goal, perpetuating the notion that thinner bodies equate to better health. However, HAES recognizes the diverse range of body shapes and sizes and shifts the focus from weight-centric measures to sustainable behaviors that contribute to overall well-being.

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Both BED treatment and HAES share a commitment to holistic well-being. Treatment for BED within a HAES framework involves addressing not only the behavioral aspects of binge eating but also the emotional, psychological, and social factors contributing to disordered eating patterns.

Key points that highlight the intersection of

BED & the HAES (Health at Every Size) approach

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