Understanding the Physiological and Emotional Triggers Behind Binge Eating
Binge eating is more than simply overeating; it’s a deeply psychological and physiological experience. Intense emotions and physical cues often intertwine to trigger bingeing, making it difficult for individuals to break free from binge episodes. Understanding these triggers is a crucial step towards recovery. This blog explores the factors that may contribute to binge eating and some of the treatment options available.
Background and Prevalence
Definition and symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge Eating is characterised by recurrent episodes of consuming objectively large quantities of food rapidly, often to the point of discomfort. It is associated with a sense of loss of control over eating and is often followed by feelings of guilt, shame or regret. To meet criteria for Binge-Eating Disorder (BED), individuals must engage in episodes of binge-eating a minimum of once per week over a three month period (DSM-5). What differentiates BED from other eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia is that binges are not followed by an attempt to compensate for the food consumed during a binge, by behaviours such as purging, excessive exercise, excessive dietary restriction or laxative use. BED is known to be associated with a number of severe physical and psychological risks including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues, depression, anxiety and low self esteem.
Prevalence
BED is the most common eating disorder, affecting a substantial portion of the population. Recent data from B-eat Eating Disorders indicate that approximately 1.25 million people in the UK are affected, surpassing the prevalence rates of anorexia and bulimia combined. Yet the numbers of people being treated for BED within eating disorder services are historically very low.
Types of Eating Behaviours
Differentiating Overeating and Binge Eating
Overeating is something that almost everyone engages in from time to time, in fact many social and cultural celebrations encourage overeating, and this is something that can be enjoyed by many people. Binge-Eating however is different. It is often done in secret, when alone and is associated with feelings of shame, embarrassment, guilt, extreme physical discomfort and a loss of control. It is triggered by a combination of emotional, psychological, physiological and habitual cues that make overriding the urge to binge almost impossible. It is not a behaviour that is enjoyed or valued by the sufferer and is not a behaviour that most people feel they have a choice in.
Physiological Triggers
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances involving leptin, ghrelin, and insulin play a significant role in hunger and satiety. When these hormones become misaligned, it can lead to unregulated eating patterns associated with BED. Research on these hormonal pathways emphasises the importance of addressing physiological factors in treatment plans.
Neurotransmitter Disruptions
Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine govern mood and appetite. Disruptions in these chemicals can contribute to binge eating behaviours, indicating a neurological basis that intertwines with emotional responses. The delicate balance of these neurotransmitters suggests potential avenues for medical interventions alongside therapeutic approaches.
Dietary Restraint
Whilst many people with BED report not engaging in extreme dietary restriction, they may often engage in dietary restraint - attempting to follow rigid rules around what they will or wont allow themselves to eat, outside of a binge. These rigid food rules, beliefs about food and eating, and deprivation of enjoyed foods will almost always set an individual up to crave the very foods they try not to have.
Emotional Triggers
Stress
Stress can often lead to binge-eating as a coping mechanism or an attempt to avoid or ‘block out’ the cause of the stress. Recognising how stress manifests physically through hunger and understanding the function of binge-eating as a response to stress is the first step toward combating stress-related triggers.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression can also be closely linked to binge eating. Intense emotions and negative or critical thoughts can trigger binge episodes, again as a way of coping with, blocking out, numbing, punishing or soothing the unwanted thoughts or emotions. Understanding these connections is vital for those seeking to improve both their mental health and eating habits.
Trauma
Past traumatic experiences can deeply influence eating behaviours. Individuals with a history of trauma may turn to binge eating as a means of managing intense or overwhelming emotions. Addressing trauma in therapy can be crucial for recovery.
Negative Body Image
Body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem can also trigger binge eating, often by exacerbating patterns of dietary restraint or intense unwanted emotion. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be instrumental in reshaping self-perception and fostering a more compassionate or accepting body image.
Social and Environmental Influences
Social Pressure
Societal or peer pressures can sometimes significantly impact eating behaviours, putting people at risk of binge-eating. When patterns of dietary restraint are broken due to social gatherings or cultural norms, this can trigger a cycle of continued eating that may lead to a binge episode. Understanding how external biases influence one’s behaviour is essential for developing resilience against these pressures.
Habit
Binge eating can often be triggered by habitual patterns. Situations that individuals associate with bingeing—such as social gatherings, specific locations, certain people, or particular times of day—are more likely to provoke binge episodes in those who have been struggling with binge eating disorder (BED) for a while. Over time, bingeing becomes a familiar response to these triggers. Understanding these habits and cues is essential for addressing the various triggers of bingeing and helping to reduce the risk of these patterns persisting.
Treatment Options for BED
Talking therapy is almost always recommended as the primary treatment option for BED. The focus of therapy will need to be tailored to each individual's specific needs. For some, it may involve exploring past events that have contributed to patterns of emotional distress, while for others, the emphasis might be on addressing current responses to present situations. In all cases, the goal of BED therapy is to help individuals understand their triggers for binge eating and develop healthier, more compassionate coping strategies, ultimately reducing the frequency of binge episodes. Talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-BED) or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) are most frequently offered as these are known to be effective in helping people reduce episodes of bingeing and improve their relationship with food.
Seeking Support
Addressing binge eating requires a nuanced understanding of the wide array of triggers involved. Identifying these triggers within tailored and appropriate treatment, can lead to sustainable recovery from BED and improved well-being. For more information on treatment options, reach out to the London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image for support.
Resources
For more information, the NHS offers a comprehensive overview of BED and its symptoms.