Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterised by regular episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, usually in secret, with no compensatory behaviours. People with BED often feel a loss of control during binges and feel guilt, shame, disgust and embarrassment. The risks associated with BED are serious and include:

• Extreme body dissatisfaction, shame and low self-esteem 
• Osteoarthritis, chronic kidney problems, high blood pressure and heart disease
• Self-harm, substance abuse or suicide attempts

How our dietitians  help with Binge Eating Disorder: 

• Education on BED including neurobiology, interplay with neurodivergence such as ADHD, and clarifying common misconceptions
• Understanding binge triggers including the vicious cycle of dieting and bingeing
• Understanding food rules and the internal body police
• Challenging false beliefs about food, nutrition and weight to reduce guilt, anxiety and shame associated with eating
• Understanding eating behaviours and cognitions that maintain BED
• Providing strategies to overcome food cravings and urges to binge
• Helping build a structured meal plan using the gentle nutrition to help reduce chaotic eating
• Providing strategies for distress tolerance and emotional regulation
• Learning to reconnect with hunger-fullness signals
• Helping reconnect with food and body and develop self-compassion and self-acceptance
• Educating on the principles of intuitive eating
• Planning for setbacks and relapse prevention

We believe recovery from Binge Eating Disorder is possible and we will work as part of a team with other health professionals in your recovery. Our Dietitians use evidence-based treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy- Enhanced (CBT-E), the principles of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

Learn more information about warning signs and health impacts of Binge Eating Disorder