Top 10 Myths About Binge Eating Disorder Debunked
Let’s talk binge eating disorder (BED). It’s one of the most misunderstood eating disorders out there, but the myths surrounding it only add to the confusion and stigma. If you’ve ever struggled with binge eating or know someone who has, you’ve likely encountered some of these myths firsthand.
In this blog, we’re debunking the top 10 myths about binge eating disorder to help you get clear on the facts. Whether you’re here to understand more about BED for yourself, a friend, or just for knowledge, this breakdown will help demystify what binge eating disorder is (and isn’t).
1. Myth: Binge Eating Disorder Is Just “Overeating”
The reality: We’ve all eaten a little too much at times, especially on holidays or when we’re really hungry. But BED is not the same as overeating. It’s a mental health condition with specific diagnostic criteria, such as chronically eating large quantities in a short time, feeling out of control during binges, and experiencing guilt or distress afterward.
Debunked: BED goes beyond occasional overindulgence. It’s about intense urges, emotional struggles, and an inability to control the behavior despite wanting to. Recognizing the difference between occasional overeating and BED is key to understanding why it’s not just about “eating less.”
2. Myth: Only People Who Are Overweight Struggle with BED
The reality: BED affects people of all shapes and sizes. Many people with BED are within a normal weight range, and some may even be underweight. Weight alone isn’t an indicator of someone’s mental health struggles, and linking BED only with weight perpetuates stigma and overlooks those who may not fit that stereotype.
Debunked: BED doesn’t discriminate by body size. This is a disorder rooted in complex emotional and psychological factors, not in appearance. Treating all bodies with compassion helps break down this harmful myth.
3. Myth: BED Is Caused by a Lack of Willpower
The reality: BED is not about a lack of discipline or self-control. It’s a legitimate mental health disorder often fueled by neurobiology and emotional factors like stress, anxiety, or trauma. Self-blame only increases feelings of shame and guilt, making the disorder harder to manage.
Debunked: BED isn’t a willpower issue. Like other mental health conditions, it requires compassionate treatment and understanding. Therapy, support, and sometimes medication can all play a role in managing it – just like any other health condition.
4. Myth: Binge Eating Is Just a Way to “Feel Better”
The reality: While binge eating episodes often involve a momentary relief or comfort, they’re almost always followed by intense feelings of guilt, shame, and distress. The disorder is more than just using food for comfort – it’s a complex cycle that can worsen emotional well-being over time.
Debunked: People with BED don’t binge because they enjoy it or because it makes them feel good. It’s usually a response to emotional pain or numbness, and the relief is temporary at best. Addressing the underlying emotional needs is key to treatment.
5. Myth: BED Can Be Cured with Diets
The reality: Dieting actually worsens binge eating behaviors. Restrictive diets lead to increased cravings, making binges more likely to happen. BED treatment focuses on understanding and addressing emotional triggers and building a balanced, sustainable relationship with food.
Debunked: Diets don’t address the emotional and psychological roots of BED. Therapy approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are much more effective for long-term recovery than any restrictive diet plan.
6. Myth: BED Only Affects Women
The reality: While women are diagnosed with BED more often, the disorder affects people of all genders. Research shows that up to 40% of people with BED are men, though they may be less likely to seek treatment due to societal stigma and stereotypes around eating disorders and masculinity.
Debunked: BED doesn’t only affect women. Men, nonbinary individuals, and people across the gender spectrum also experience it. Recognizing BED in all genders is essential for breaking down stigma and ensuring everyone can access the support they need.
7. Myth: Binge Eating Is a Choice
The reality: People with BED don’t choose to binge eat. This behavior is driven by complex factors, including genetic predisposition, neurochemical imbalances, and emotional regulation challenges. While it may feel “voluntary” to outsiders, it’s often experienced as deeply compulsive and out of the person’s control.
Debunked: BED isn’t a conscious decision. It’s a coping mechanism that a person may feel unable to control. Like other mental health conditions, it often requires structured treatment to help someone regain control.
8. Myth: You Can “Just Stop” Binge Eating on Your Own
The reality: Recovery from BED isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. Since it’s a mental health disorder with psychological, emotional, and physiological roots, professional help is often needed. Therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication can make a significant difference in managing symptoms.
Debunked: Willpower alone usually isn’t enough to overcome BED. Reaching out for help is a vital step, not a sign of weakness. Like any other health condition, BED recovery often requires guidance, support, and structure.
9. Myth: People with BED Are Always Binging
The reality: BED doesn’t mean someone is binge eating every day. Binge episodes may happen frequently, but they are often followed by periods of “normal” eating or even restrictive behaviors, creating a cycle. Binge eating can be sporadic, and the frequency varies greatly from person to person.
Debunked: BED involves more than just the act of bingeing. It’s about the patterns, thoughts, and emotions surrounding food. Focusing on behavior alone misses the deeper, more complex nature of the disorder.
10. Myth: BED Only Happens in Response to Negative Emotions
The reality: While binge eating often has emotional triggers, people may binge for a variety of reasons, not only due to sadness or stress. It can also be triggered by boredom, feeling out of routine, or even positive emotions that are difficult to process.
Debunked: BED isn’t just a response to “negative” feelings. It’s more nuanced, and binge episodes can be triggered by a range of emotional or situational factors.
Final Thoughts
The myths around binge eating disorder create unnecessary shame and make it harder for people to seek the help they need. By separating fact from fiction, we can all play a part in reducing the stigma and supporting those affected by BED.
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating disorder, remember that understanding and support are essential. You’re not alone, and there are compassionate, effective treatments out there to help you on your journey to a healthier relationship with food.
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Ready to regain control over your relationship with food and break free from binge eating disorder? At Bianca VonBank Therapy, I specialize in offering compassionate and effective treatment for binge eating disorder in New York, NY. My approach focuses on addressing the underlying emotional, psychological, and behavioral aspects of binge eating to foster lasting recovery and a healthier relationship with food. If you’ve been struggling with binge eating disorder and are ready to get treatment, I can help. Take the first step on your journey towards healing and liberation from binge eating by following the steps below:
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At Bianca VonBank Therapy, I offer a range of services aimed at supporting your mental health and well-being. In addition to Eating Disorder Treatment in New York, NY, I provide therapy for a wide range of concerns. These include Anxiety Treatment and Therapy for Millennials. Common topics addressed in therapy include body-image issues, burnout, perfectionism, and Codependency. I am trained in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Whether you're seeking help for a specific issue or looking to improve your overall mental wellness, I am dedicated to providing personalized and effective care to help you grow. Reach out today to learn more and begin your journey toward a life full of enjoyment and peace.