123: How do I know if I have Binge Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders and a poor relationship with food are unfortunately very common in the PCOS community. Which isn’t surprising given that we can feel out of control of our bodies and we have health professionals, PTs and the general public telling us we’re not trying hard enough. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the PCOS community, which is understandable when we’re thrown so many different diets and lifestyle changes to ‘improve’ our symptoms. So how do you know what a normal relationship with food looks like and whether or not you’re experiencing BED? Following on from our previous podcast, Clare, Emma and Charlie chat all about what a normal relationship with food looks like and we take a deep dive into BED - what it is, how it’s diagnosed and what feeds into it. As always, if you think you’re experiencing an eating disorder or poor relationship with food, please seek professional help. Going alone isn’t the way and you are ALWAYS worthy of help - even if it feels scary. We are now trained in eating disorders but this journey takes a team, so definitely speak to your GP and a specialised psychologist or psychiatrist if you feel as though any of this resonates. This episode is for you if:You feel out of control in your bodyYou often find yourself blowing out on foods and then following it with restriction out of guiltLack of planning of food causes you immense amount of stress for youYou feel out of control around foodYou often find yourself secretly eating foods you know aren’t great for you (ie. in the car, in your room alone)You have a history of yo-yo dietingYou’ve tried a lot of dietsSome things we cover in this episode:What does a normal relationship with food look like? What does disordered eating look like? Types of EDWhat is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)? What feeds into BED?Stats on disordered eating in femalesSelf esteem, self control and body imageWhy BED and other disordered eating is so common in PCOSResources and References:My Book: Getting Pregnant with PCOSLinks to our programs:The PCOS ProtocolThe DIY PCOS ProtocolEggducated