Are you struggling with binge eating disorder? We can help.
It’s been said that food is life. But when food takes over your life, your mental and physical health can be severely harmed. An estimated 2.8 million people in the U.S. suffer from binge eating disorder (BED), a pattern of eating large quantities of food in a single sitting. People who suffer from this disorder often eat very quickly and don’t stop until they feel extremely full.
While most of us overeat now and then, binge eating disorder is very different. In fact, it is a life-threatening condition that requires professional treatment. In the U.S., someone dies of an eating disorder every single hour. So if you or someone you care about is struggling with unhealthy eating patterns, you owe it to yourself to learn more and find help right away.
Unlike all other eating disorder treatment centers, we do not believe that daily consumption of ultra-processed foods is necessary for all forms of recovery. This is just one example of how our individualized treatment model is different from other traditional eating disorder programs that prescribe one generic approach for everyone regardless of their unique disease set.
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
- Binge Eating Disorder or BED is defined as a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often to the point of discomfort
- This is the mot common eating disorder in the United States
- Typically one experiences a loss of control during the binge episode
What could recovery from BED look like?
- Scheduling meals and snacks in advance
- Rejecting the diet mentality
- Connecting behavior with food and emotional state
- Becoming aware of triggers
- Seeking support from a professional
Shattering the STEREOTYPE – Myths about Binge Eating Disorder
Myth 1: Those who struggle with BED are always in a larger body.
Fact: Those who struggle with BED come in all shapes and sizes.
Myth 2: BED isn’t dangerous
Fact: BED comes with risk for serious physical and mental health complications such as mood instability, depression and anxiety.
Myth 3: Binge Eating Disorder is the same as Bulimia
Fact: After a binge, those struggling with bulimia try to rid themselves of extra calories by “purging”. Purging can come in the form of vomiting, laxative or diuretic use or over-exercise.
Source: National Eating Disorders Association
Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
How can you tell if binge eating is a problem? Here are the warning signs that suggest you may be dealing with binge eating disorder.
- Low self esteem
- Weight fluctuations
- Stealing or hoarding food
- Feelings of disgust, depression and guilt
- Frequently eating much more food than you need
- Eating very fast – literally stuffing yourself
- Eating a lot within a short period (usually 2 hours)
- Eating until you’re uncomfortably full
- Feeling you’ve lost control while eating
- Eating alone because you’re embarrassed about the amount you’re consuming
- Shame, distress, guilt and disgust with yourself after eating too much
Eating disorder experts say that on average, people with binge eating disorder eat to excess at least once a week over a period of at least 3 months. People with the disorder usually do not purge after a period of binge eating, the way people living with bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa might.
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What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
- More than half the risk for binge eating is genetic.
- More than half of all people with binge eating disorder also have a mood disorder.
- More than half of those with binge eating disorder also have anxiety disorders.
- One in 10 binge eaters also has a substance use problem, often alcohol abuse.
People suffering from binge eating disorder may also face emotional problems such as negative body image and low self-esteem. Trauma, especially in early childhood, is a factor for many.
Studies suggest that people with binge eating disorder may overeat as a way of dealing with anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety or stress. Scientists are looking closely at how changing levels of brain chemicals affect eating habits. Neuroimaging, a technique for taking pictures of the brain, may help us gain a better understanding of what causes binge eating disorder and how it works.
Video: Why SunCloud Health?
Hear from Kim Dennis, MD, CEDS, on why SunCloud Health can be the right treatment program for you or a loved one.
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Some Advantages of Outpatient Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder
Serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, the SunCloud Health team provides fully personalized care, beginning with a full review of the issues that surround your binge eating. We will discuss your situation with you in detail to identify the issues that may be triggering your difficulties.
Video: We Do Not Ignore The Co-Occurring At SunCloud Health
Dr. Kim Dennis, MD, CEDS, explains how SunCloud Health treats co-occurring disorders.
We know that no two people are the same – and therefore, no two treatment plans will look exactly alike. We will get to know you and make sure that you feel heard, respected and involved as a full partner in your own care.
- Outpatient care is flexible, allowing you to live at home and follow the daily routines that are familiar to you.
- It is convenient, offering you the opportunity to continue working, seeing friends and enjoying the activities you like to do.
- It is generally more affordable than residential care, which requires you to move to a specialized facility for 24/7 treatment, which can be very expensive.
Sometimes outpatient care is not sufficient, and inpatient treatment for binge eating disorder may be necessary. When you meet with our eating disorder experts, we will answer your questions about residential vs. outpatient care and discuss which mode of treatment will be best for you, based on your unique situation.
How Integrated Supports your Binge Eating Recovery
In our experience, medications alone are not the best way to treat binge eating disorder. We recommend an integrated approach with therapies and techniques that have been thoroughly tested and proven to work. Depending on your needs, the SunCloud Health team may recommend a combination of:
- Education that helps you see how binge eating is affecting your body, mind and spirit
- Group sessions to help you practice healthy interpersonal and relationship skills
- Body image therapy
- Medications, paired with regular psychiatric support
- Meal support and regular consultation with dietary staff as needed
- Family therapy in which your loved ones take part and offer support
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Ongoing support groups
- Yoga and other relaxation techniques
- Body image therapy
Video: Dr. Kim, Recovery Is Not About Stopping Things But Rather It’s About Expanding Your Life And Your Health.
Dr. Kim, MD, CEDS Chief Medical Officer, CEO and Co-founder, SunCloud Health explains, recovery is not about stopping things but rather it’s about expanding your life and your health.
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Resources for those with Binge Eating Disorder
You can find more information about binge eating disorder by visiting the National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). Or just reach out to SunCloud Health now by calling
Life After Binge Eating Disorder Treatment?
As an outpatient and residential treatment center, SunCloud Health is in an ideal position to support you for as long as you agree our services are useful to you. With multiple levels of outpatient care, you may decide to stay connected through one of our aftercare outpatient groups – or you may want to continue seeing one of our individual therapists. We are here to provide continuous, caring support for your recovery journey.
Though we understand fully that you don’t want to spend your life in treatment, we also know from experience that a lifetime commitment to wellness is the foundation of your well-being over the long term. We will work with you to maintain a healthy outlook, which means achieving balance, honesty, and health — physical, emotional and spiritual. Our goal is to create a care plan that you can take with you forever, wherever you may go.
Treatment at SCH is really different. I have been to several so I know… Most treatment centers are focused on normalizing eating behaviors, weight restoration (or loss) and that is pretty much it. At SunCloud this stuff all matters but treatment is much deeper and so much more! I have been encouraged to look at what drive me to the disordered eating behaviors in the first place. I have looked at early childhood trauma, I have looked at dysfunctional and unhealthy relationships in my family, I have learned skills to help me respond differently to my thoughts and feelings and most importantly I have learned that I am not alone in my journey. Dr. Kim and her team genuinely care. This place is special. Thank you! I suggest seeking treatment at SunCloud!!!!
Explaining SunCloud’s Integrated ModelWhy is an integrated treatment model essential to successfully treating patients?
Dr. Kim Dennis, Co-Founder and Medical Director at SunCloud Health, discusses the vital role the integrated model (that she is pioneering at SunCloud Health) plays in the success of treating patients with co-occurring disorders and underlying trauma. How does SunCloud create an authentic culture of patient support?