3 Binge Eating Disorder Myths You Should Stop Believing

eating disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) continues to be one of the most challenging food-related issues that plague many individuals. The problem is spreading misinformation about it makes it more prevalent and harder to contain as more people are also exposed to unrealistic body standards and extreme dieting habits. 

Fortunately, you can overcome these challenges and get to a better mental and emotional state. To ensure you are duly informed and seek the professional help you need, consider the following debunked myths: 

Myth #1: BED is just overeating in disguise, so it can be addressed with dieting. 

The reason many often claim that BED is simply another term for overeating is due to the popular Internet culture of binging, which can be attributed to food and watching particular television shows and movies. These experiences are often occasional, comical glorifications of being lazy or relaxing from time to time, which is entirely different from BED, a defined set of diagnostic characteristics marked with emotionally charged, manic episodes. 

What you have to take note of is BED is associated with the following classifications: 

  1. Recurring episodes of eating copious amounts of food discretely and having no self-control. 
  1. Binge eating sessions can either be consuming food more rapidly than normal, eating until uncomfortably full, and eating due to the associated shame of eating too much. 
  1. Eating excessively happens once a week for three months. It can occur either more or less frequently, even during therapy or counselling, because of emotional relapses. 

Because overeating and other related eating habits are glorified online, it is understandable that determining if it is either BED or something else can be difficult. Take note that knowing the symptoms alone is also not valid grounds for self-diagnosis. It is because binge eating can also be associated with other mental health problems, like depression and anxiety. 

If you really want to make sure and address any underlying issues with your eating and mental health, seek in-person or online counselling immediately and be receptive to testing when necessary. 

Myth #2: BED only affects obese or overweight individuals, so they just have to undergo fat reduction programs to address their issues. 

Experiencing BED is not exclusive to overweight people; it can occur no matter your gender, race, size, or cultural background. It is because everyone has various metabolic states, diets, and lifestyles. For example, you can be thinner than your family members but still have BED-induced sessions that don’t reflect on your weight because of high metabolism and daily exercise. 

BED is more complex than a simple need to undergo fasting or other restrictive diets, which can have a negative effect on the body for getting the daily nutrients needed. You have to undergo talk therapy, prescribed medication, and other modes of mental health treatment to address the root cause of your eating disorder. 

Myth #3: BED is not as dangerous as other mental disorders

BED is not something you should underestimate as a health condition; it can affect your quality of life due to its manifesting physical and lifestyle complications, which can include the following: 

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Difficulty concentrating 
  • Chronic fatigue 
  • Lower self-esteem 
  • Suicidal thoughts 
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Unstable cholesterol levels
  • Gallbladder issues 
  • Sleep apnea
  • Menstrual dysfunction 
  • Cortisol imbalances

If you have BED and feel any of the difficulties mentioned above, a holistic approach to treatment is necessary to work on the eating disorder while treating the symptoms. Consult with a mental health specialist to ensure the proper course of recovery and living with this disorder. 

Conclusion 

BED can make daily life uncomfortable, and you may have it but are unsure of your assumptions due to the rise of misinformation, especially on the Internet. Fortunately, you now have a frame of reference to work with by knowing the common myths. Just make sure everything about BED comes from a certified group of professionals like us to avoid misconceptions and get the appropriate help you need. 

Chettiar Counselling & Associates can provide you with reliable eating disorder counselling in Guelp and other psychotherapy interventions to address other mental health issues. Our dedicated team of trained and experienced counsellors is more than willing to guide you through healthy processing for tough situations and recurring negative thoughts. Undergo online counselling and other preferred modes today by booking instantly on our website or calling us at  519-766-8292.