Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a medical condition characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort. During these episodes, individuals feel a lack of control while eating and are often followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and distress.

Some people who binge eat may:

• Eat unusually large amounts of food in a specific period of time.

• Eat even when not physically hungry.

• Eat rapidly during binge episodes.

• Eat until uncomfortably full.

• Eat alone due to embarrassment about the amount of food being consumed.

• Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating.

Why is important to treat BED?
BED is the most frequent undiagnosed eating disorder due to a number of factors, like limited training for healthcare providers and individuals’ reluctance to share symptoms due to associated feelings of shame. Likewise, BED impacts people of all different sizes, not just those living in larger bodies. Since BED is associated with many physical risks, including an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, healthcare providers often address these conditions rather than identifying the root cause. Evidence-based treatment focuses on why binge eating behavior occurs and how to stop it, not weight management or loss.

How can Dr. Jessica Tomasula help an individual who may binge eat?

Dr. Tomasula can offer evidence-based care and expert strategies tailored to your needs. For both youth and adult clients, Dr. Tomasula provides a safe space to explore your emotions, triggers, and relationship with food. We work together to address underlying issues related to self-esteem and body image. Importantly, we will work to ensure that other mental health conditions that commonly co-occur with BED, such as anxiety, depression, suicidality, and ADHD, are identified and addressed as well.

Dr. Tomasula highly recommends the book Overcoming Binge Eating, Second Edition by Dr. Christopher G. Fairburn which helps individuals understand binge eating.

Contact us today for more information.