If you or someone you know struggles with their relationship to food, It’s critical to comprehend the distinction between bulimia and binge eating disorder. Bulimia and binge eating disorder show various distinctions despite some similarities. Despite sharing some similarities, bulimia, and binge eating disorder exhibit many differences.
Getting the appropriate diagnosis and support is crucial to the healing process. We will examine the main distinctions between binge eating disorder and bulimia in this blog post.
The Differences Between Bulimia and Binge Eating
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), 2-3% of women in the US suffer from binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa.
Additionally, according to ANAD, more than half of individuals with Bulimia nervosa have at least one mood or anxiety issue that they need to treat with a professional.
Binge Eating Disorder
People frequently “emotionally eat” when they are sad or lonely. Binge eaters (BEDs) have difficulty managing their eating patterns and are unable to stop themselves from having repetitive periods of overeating. Despite the fact that overeating does not make them feel satisfied, it causes them to feel guilty afterward.
Possible BED warning signs include:
- Eating hastily or without paying attention to what you are eating
- Eating a lot of food even though you’re not hungry
- Eating in privacy because of shame
- After an episode, individuals have suicidal thoughts, feelings of depression, and guilt.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia, a form of eating disorder, involves engaging in binge eating and subsequently purging. Purging can manifest in a variety of ways, including self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or the utilization of laxatives.
Here is the list of symptoms for Bulimia Nervosa.
- Recurring binge eating episodes
- losing control while bingeing on food
- Use of incorrect compensatory behaviors on a regular basis
- Obsession with weight and body image
| The primary distinction between bulimia and binge eating disorder lies in purging after a binge, which is a characteristic of bulimia, while individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in purging. |
Effects of Eating Disorders on Emotional and Psychological Well-being
Any eating disorder or disordered eating patterns can have negative effects on a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. Both binge eating disorder and bulimia can result in unfavorable emotions and low self-esteem.
Additionally, they can cause anxiety and social isolation. People who are trapped in unhealthy eating practices frequently describe feeling helpless and despondent. A mood or anxiety condition affects 50% of those who have bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder.
The Health Risks of Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa
Although bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder have slightly different health risks, they both include serious medical issues. Lifelong repercussions could result from these issues.
Obesity is the biggest danger for someone who binges. Heart disease is one of the more severe health issues linked to obesity. The relationship exists because a person’s weight, blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, and triglyceride levels may all influence their likelihood of cardiovascular disease.
A weakened immune system is one of the many health problems that bulimics frequently encounter. The following health issues could result from this eating disorder:
- Both acid reflux and heartburn
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Weakened muscles
- Tooth decay, gingivitis, or gum disease
- Broken and brittle nails
- Scaly, dry skin
- Hair loss, and hair thinning
- Unusual hair growth on the body
- Slow wound healing
What Kind of Support is Necessary to treat Bulimia or Binge Eating Disorder?
It is crucial to get support in order to recover from any eating problem or disordered eating. Early identification and the start of the healing process can help avoid additional health problems, psychological or mood problems, and the need for more intensive care.
A treatment team is very beneficial for maintaining and monitoring symptoms and recovery from an eating disorder. Different physicians will make up an eating disorder team, whether the patient is being treated as an outpatient or in a treatment facility. This might comprise:
The appropriate psychotherapies and necessary pharmaceutical regimens are included in a binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa treatment plan created by experts in treating such disorders.
1- Therapy for an eating disorder
Psychotherapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be beneficial for those with binge eating disorders or bulimia nervosa. Both methods aid in developing abilities for controlling emotions and stopping negative thinking.
Additionally, clients can learn about the possible effects of drug misuse, eating binges, self-induced vomiting, and insomnia on their physical and emotional well-being. Therapists advise focusing on work-life balance and self-care while counseling eating disorder patients, and they also provide instructions on how to intentionally incorporate these into their daily lives.
CBT and DBT teach individuals common skills such as:
- Reducing negative thoughts and managing emotions
- Understanding and identifying triggers and obstacles that impede thought control
- Learning to recognize and dismiss unhelpful and irrational thoughts
- Utilizing mindfulness to observe apparently random emotions and distress
2- The Role of a Dietitian
Another crucial component of treatment is consulting with a dietician who has expertise in treating eating problems. A dietician can assist in establishing a person’s eating behaviors and relationship with food as normal. They can also impart knowledge on nutrition and the best ways to nourish the body.
A dietician may help a person overcome an eating problem on a variety of issues, such as:
- Developing a menu plan.
- Addressing any food-related disordered eating patterns
- Promoting the development of a positive connection with food
- Nutritional guidance and body-fueling instruction
3- Primary Care Physician as Initial Care Provider
It’s crucial to consult a doctor while recovering from an eating disorder. They can give advice on how to take care of the body and check any physical health issues. A doctor can also assist in keeping your therapist and dietitian informed about any health concerns that might require a higher level of care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effective treatment requires an understanding of the differences between bulimia and binge eating disorder. To address the emotional, psychological, and physical repercussions, work with therapists, nutritionists, and medical professionals. With the right supervision, changing negative thought patterns and triggers is possible through methods
like mindfulness and therapy.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1538544217300482?via%3Dihub
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1056499319300549?via%3Dihub