Overview: Eating Disorders
This module covers two related eating disorders:
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
- Bulimia Nervosa (BN)
Both involve episodes of binge eating, but they differ in behaviour, body response, and psychological patterns.
Section 1 – Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder involves:
- Eating large amounts of food in a short time
- Feeling loss of control during eating
Afterwards, the person often feels:
- Shame
- Guilt
- Distress
Key Features
- Eating very quickly
- Eating when not physically hungry
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating alone due to embarrassment
- Feeling unable to stop during episodes
Important Distinction
Unlike bulimia:
- There is no regular purging behaviour
- No vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise as compensation
Emotional Impact
- Strong guilt after binge episodes
- Low self-esteem
- Possible depression or anxiety
Physical Effects
BED is often linked to:
- Weight gain or obesity
- Type 2 diabetes risk
- Heart and cardiovascular problems
Treatment
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Nutritional support and education
- Support groups
- Behavioural strategies to regulate eating
Core Idea
BED =
👉 Binge eating without compensating behaviours
Section 2 – Bulimia Nervosa (BN)
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia involves a cycle of:
- Binge eating
- Followed by compensatory behaviours
This is often called the binge–purge cycle.
Key Features
Binge Episode
- Rapid eating of large amounts of food
- Feeling out of control
Compensatory Behaviours
- Self-induced vomiting
- Laxative or diuretic misuse
- Fasting
- Excessive exercise
Physical Signs
- Swollen salivary glands (“chipmunk cheeks”)
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Calluses on knuckles (Russell’s sign)
- Electrolyte imbalance (can be dangerous)
Weight Pattern
- Often normal weight or slightly overweight
- Can be difficult to detect externally
Emotional Impact
- Fear of weight gain
- Shame after binge episodes
- Anxiety around eating
Treatment
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- SSRIs (antidepressants)
- Nutritional rehabilitation
- Breaking the binge–purge cycle
Core Idea
Bulimia =
👉 Binge eating followed by compensation (purging behaviours)
Section 3 – Key Differences (BED vs Bulimia)
| Feature | Binge Eating Disorder (BED) | Bulimia Nervosa (BN) |
|---|---|---|
| Binge eating | Yes | Yes |
| Purging behaviours | No | Yes |
| Weight | Often higher weight | Usually normal/slightly overweight |
| Main emotion | Shame & guilt | Fear of weight gain |
| Cycle | Binge only | Binge–purge cycle |
Section 4 – Shared Features
Both disorders may include:
- Loss of control during eating
- Emotional distress
- Shame after episodes
- Risk of depression or anxiety
Key Takeaway
- BED = binge eating without compensation
- Bulimia = binge eating with compensatory behaviours
Both are serious eating disorders that can affect:
- Physical health
- Emotional wellbeing
- Daily functioning
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