Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
Signs of binge eating disorder can be physical, psychological and behavioural. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms.
Note: The presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate binge eating disorder or any other eating disorder. Conversely, not all of these symptoms will necessarily be present in someone with binge eating disorder.
Physical Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder:
- Being overweight or clinically obese (defined by a Body Mass Index of 25 >)
- Fluctuations in weight
- Digestive problems
- Joint and muscular aches and pains
- Chest pains
- Headaches
- Breathlessness
- Malnutrition due to eating junk food with little or no nutritional value
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Gall bladder disease
- Certain types of cancer
- Respiratory problems
- Kidney disease
- Arthritis
Psychological Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder:
- Depression and low self-esteem, generally feeling miserable
- Difficulty dealing with emotions such as anger and stress
- Feelings of guilt, disgust and shame after a binge eating episode
- Enbarrassment about eating large amounts of food
- Finding comfort in food
- Feeling a loss of control
- Suicidal thoughts
- Negative feelings towards food
Behavioural Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder:
- Binge eating (eating massive amounts of food) in secret and at odd times
- Eating more quickly than usual
- Eating when not even hungry
- Feeling uncomfortably full after a binge eating episode
- Yo-yo dieting
- Cycles of bingeing and dieting
- Avoidance of social situations, work or school
- Obsessing about and criticising physical appearance
- Eating alone even when eating normally
- Hiding food and empty containers of food
- Difficulty sleeping
- Alcohol abuse
