Blog

Binge Eating Disorders Aren’t a “Lack of Willpower”- Dispelling BED Misconceptions

eating disorders

There’s a common misconception that eating disorders can be overcome by using willpower alone. This belief oversimplifies the complex nature of eating disorders, especially Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Understanding that eating disorders are not about willpower is important for recovery and for establishing a sustainable, enjoyable way of eating, moving and being. That’s why we offer evidence-based nutrition therapy to help individuals recover from disordered eating and body image challenges.

What Are Binge Eating Disorders?

A lot of people (wrongly) believe that eating disorders can be overcome by using willpower. That’s simply not true.  Eating disorders have nothing to do with how mentally strong a person is, and that includes Binge Eating Disorder (BED). This  mental health condition is characterized  by recurring episodes of consuming large quantities of food in short periods of time, often while feeling a lack of control. Some people describe an almost ‘out of body’ type feeling. Unlike occasional overeating (eating past fullness), BED is a chronic and distressing condition that significantly impacts a person’s physical and emotional well-being. We can’t state this enough, but  BED is not about overindulging or a lack of willpower.

The primary hallmark of BED is the occurrence of binge eating episodes, where people eat a large amount  of food within a discrete period. These episodes sometimes provide temporary relief from emotional distress but are followed by feelings of remorse and physical discomfort. This usually includes a sense of guilt, shame, and distress. People with BED may eat rapidly, often to the point of pain, and may engage in secretive eating, hiding their binges from others by eating alone, hiding food wrappers in the trash or feeling embarrassed about their eating.

The Complexity of Binge Eating

While some mistakenly attribute BED to a lack of willpower or self-control, this oversimplification ignores the profound complexities that underlie the disorder. Genetic predispositions can play a role, as individuals with a family history of eating disorders may be at a higher risk. Additionally, environmental factors such as childhood trauma, societal pressure for an ideal body image, and a history of dieting can contribute to the development of BED.

Psychological factors also play a significant role in the development and perpetuation of BED. Emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem are common co-occurring conditions. Binge eating often serves as a coping mechanism to alleviate emotional pain or stress temporarily. However, this coping mechanism becomes self-perpetuating and can lead to a cycle of guilt, shame, and further binge eating.

The Binge-Restrict Cycle

More often than not, binge eating comes from restriction somewhere, whether physical or mental.  Some people physically restrict the amount of food or types of food they eat so much that they reach a point where they simply can’t take it anymore: enter the binge.

Others engage in something known as mental restriction. Mental restriction can have a similar impact to physical food restriction. This looks like labeling foods as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ or telling yourself that certain foods are off limits. Mental restriction also includes ignoring hunger and fullness cues, thereby restricting your brain’s capacity to allow in the entire food experience. Both physical and mental restriction perpetuate the binge-restrict cycle, which is partially what’s so tricky about this condition.

Finding Help for BED

Fighting back against the misconception that Binge Eating Disorder can be solved with willpower requires challenging both the social narrative as well as the one that may exist within your own mind (or your social circle). Some of the most valuable treatment methods for BED include:

1. Establish regular eating patterns.

I know it can be scary to think that the way out of binge eating is to eat, but it’s the truth. Establishing regular eating patterns is essential because the root of BED is in restriction. Restricting only prolongs the binge-restrict cycle of disordered eating, which only makes it harder to get out of. For some people, “regular eating schedule” looks like 3 meals and 2 snacks spaced out every few hours. This could look different for others. If you are looking for support to break the binge-restrict cycle, it’s best to work with an eating disorder registered dietitian.

2. Find a care team.

The two most important people in your eating disorder recovery care team will be a registered dietitian and a therapist. Ideally, look for a therapist who specializes in eating disorders and is Health at Every Size aligned. A CBT therapist can help with monitoring and noting thoughts related to eating, movement, and food habits and establish practices and tools for you to use to disrupt the cycle and care for yourself. This is meant to be in real-time as a way to disrupt binge eating before or as it occurs.

3. Find sustainable coping mechanisms.

Chances are you’ve turned to food to quiet the uncomfortable emotions that creep up somewhere in your life. This may not be a conscious decision but learning how to sit with the discomfort can be. Your work with your therapist and/or eating disorder dietitian will be instrumental in developing ways to cope in these situations. Like we’ve said: food is meant to be pleasurable and enjoyable – and we want more than one coping mechanism.

The Importance of Compassion and Support With Eating Disorders

As you go about finding care for your eating disorder, it’s important to remember that how you talk to yourself matters. Instead of judgment and blame, a compassionate and understanding approach can make a major difference. Intense feelings of guilt, shame, and self-criticism often accompany BED. It’s therefore imperative that you find a care team and treatment protocol in which you feel safe and supported.

The care team you choose should be a supportive environment that allows you to openly express  your emotions and experiences without fear of ridicule or rejection. Friends and family members can help, too. Inform them of what would be helpful and what would be unhelpful to say. Alternatively, you can also choose not to include them in your recovery process. This is your recovery; you get to set the boundaries.

Treatment Options and Approaches

As mentioned above, nutrition therapy can play a vital role in Binge Eating Disorder treatment. Working with a registered dietitian to develop a healthier relationship with food and eating may include:

  • Understanding hunger and fullness cues
  • Recognizing emotional triggers
  • Practicing mindfulness
  • Challenging negative body image thoughts
  • Establishing a regular eating schedule
  • …and so much more.

Group therapy and support groups can also be beneficial in BED treatment. Connecting with others who share similar experiences may show you that you’re not the only one who struggles with this eating disorder. This could take some of the shame away from it and allow you to live more authentically in your everyday life. Group therapy settings offer a safe space for people to discuss their challenges, share coping strategies, and receive support from peers who really get it.

Find Support at  The Wellful

The myth that eating disorders can be overcome by using willpower is just that: a myth. By working with me, a registered dietitian for BED, you’ll be able to challenge the false narratives around eating disorders through compassionate, person-centered care. I’ll help you down  the  path to a healthier relationship with food and your body.

You don’t have to do this alone. To get started, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me (Brenna, RD) or call the practice at 925-725-2761. Let’s get you the care you deserve.

Share:

Latest blog

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join Our IG Community