Overcoming Binge Eating – Chapter 4

Jun 8, 2008 | Books, Personal

In this chapter of the book Dr Christopher G. Fairburn deals with the psychological and social problems associate with binge eating.

Again, just for the record, I am neither bulimic nor anorexic but as I read this chapter, I found that could relate to issues like the diet-binge cycle, the effects of this cycle (and being highly concerned about my appearance) on my moods and relationships, plus the character traits common among those with binge eating problems.

Binge eating may be an isolated behaviour, but in most cases it is associated with other problems – some may a consequence of binge eating, others may promote the binge eating and some may result AND encourage binge eating which causes a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. An example of this kind of behaviour is dieting (most people who binge also diet) as it neither be classified as either a cause or effect of binge eating.

Dieting often precedes binge eating, but it also a response to binge eating. It is most obvious in bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, where the dieting is generally extreme to the point of fasting. In binge eating disorder, dieting tends to be less extreme and intermittent, not continuous, and these people alternate between phases of successful dieting and periods of overeating which may continue for years if left untreated. (Because dieting is one of the main factors that contribute to bingeing, treatment is geared at reducing the tendency to diet.)

Dr Fairburn goes on to tell us that there are 3 types of dieting: avoiding eating (fasting between binges), restricting the overall amount eaten (calorie restriction) and avoiding certain types of food (those perceived as “forbidden” or “bad”). There is also mention of dieting in other guises, practiced by those who influence their weight or shape by changing their eating habits and justifying it by attributing it to things like food allergies or being vegetarian. What he says is that if you practice any form of dietary restriction to influence your weight or shape, you are “dieting”.

When strict dieting is practiced, failure is inevitable and this may be extremely demoralizing which in turn leads to binge eating. This vicious cycle operates among those who adopt strict dietary rules, not all those who binge.

Measures for controlling shape or weight are covered next – self induced vomiting, laxative and diuretic misuse and over-exercising.

It was interesting to read that most people are ignorant of the fact that self induced vomiting only purges a maximum of 50% of the calories consumed in a binge. Even the use of “markers” (such eating tomatoes at the start of a binge to ensure that all food has been purged when they reappear) is entirely inaccurate as food in the stomach gets churned around and it’s never a case of “first in, last out”.

Other misconceptions revolve around the use of laxatives and diuretics (water pills) – neither of these eliminate any excess calories, but they do make people feel “cleaner” and less bloated, so that’s probably the main reason for people using them.

Over-exercising is common among those with binge eating problems, particularly bulimics and anorexics. They feel compelled and driven to exercise to the point where don’t eat anything until they feel they have burned up enough calories to justify the intake of food.

All these measures may encourage further binge eating and perpetuate the cycle.

Most people who binge are highly concerned about their appearance and weight. Many tie their self esteem into their appearance and are terrified of weight gain. Some may weigh themselves up to 15-20 times per day and measure themselves continuously. Shame over how they look can interfere with their day-to-day life and many may withdraw from society and isolate themselves. This obviously has many detrimental effects on their mental health (depression is common), moods and their relationships. These people may become completely preoccupied with food, extremely anxious and unable to focus on anything else which can lead to them finding it difficult perform everyday activities such as reading, conversing or even watching tv. Some binge eaters, although overweight, are still very concerned about their appearance and may develop feelings of disgust and self loathing. Some refuse to look at their bodies or allow anyone else to see them. Binge eating problems can affect every aspect of life.

There are certain character traits that are common among those with binge eating problems: low self-esteem, perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking and impulsivity.

Chapter 5 will cover the physical problems associated with binge eating.

Information about previous chapters can be found here:

1. What is a Binge?
2. Binge Eating, Eating Disorders and Obesity
3. Who Binges?