Bulimia v. Binge Eating Disorder: What's the Difference?
Written by CCTC Staff Writer
If you or someone you know is struggling with their relationship to food, it's important to understand the difference between bulimia and binge eating disorder. While bulimia and binge eating disorder share some similarities, they also have many differences. Getting the correct diagnosis and proper support is essential for the recovery process. In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between bulimia and binge eating disorder.
In the blog below we will discuss:
What the similarities are between bulimia and binge eating disorder
What the difference is between bulimia and binge eating disorder
Whether or not binging is simply overeating
What support is needed to recover from an eating disorder
Whether or not you can tell someone is struggling with an eating disorder by looking at them
If an eating disorder diagnosis is important
What steps to take to reach out for help for yourself or a loved one
What are the similarities between bulimia and binge eating disorder?
Bulimia is a type of eating disorder that is characterized by binge eating followed by purging. Purging can take many forms, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives. Binge eating disorder is also a type of eating disorder that is characterized by episodes of binge eating. However, people with binge eating disorder do not purge after they binge eat. Below are a few similarities between the two disorders:
1) Binge eating
For those struggling with bulimia or binge eating disorder, the main behavior shared by both eating disorders is binging on food. Many people wonder, is binging simply overeating? How can you tell the difference? When someone binges on food, they feel like they cannot control their eating. They often eat much more food than they would normally eat in one sitting often to the point of major discomfort. Oftentimes binging can happen when they are not hungry. They may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or guilty after binging. Many people will report binge eating home alone or late at night when no one is up or around to see them engage in this behavior.
Related: Why Can't I Stop Binge Eating?
2) Coping mechanism
Eating disorders or disordered eating habits are often used as a way to cope. This means that when someone is feeling stressed, anxious, bored, or any other negative emotion, they may turn to their eating disorder as a way to cope with those feelings. For those struggling with bulimia, bingeing and then purging can be a way to cope with negative emotions. It can act as a numbing agent for difficult feelings. For someone with binge eating disorder, binging can also be a way to self-soothe or distract in the presence of difficult emotions.
3) Emotional & psychological impact
As with any eating disorder or disordered eating habits, the impact it can have on one's emotional and psychological health can be detrimental. Bulimia and binge eating disorder can both lead to negative feelings and low self-esteem. They can also lead to social isolation and anxiety. Many people who find themselves stuck engaging in disordered eating patterns will report feeling hopeless and helpless. Half of those with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder struggle with mood and/or anxiety disorders.
4) Health consequences
Disordered eating habits whether restriction, binging, and/or purging all come with the threat of health consequences which is why it is important to seek help early. Binging can cause health issues such as heartburn, gastritis, and indigestion. It can also lead to nutrient deficiencies which can cause fatigue, hair loss, and brittle nails. Purging through vomiting can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and damage to the esophagus.
What are the differences between bulimia and binge eating disorder?
The main difference between bulimia and binge eating disorder is that bulimia is characterized by purging after a binge, while people with binge eating disorder do not purge.
While every person's experience is different, it is not uncommon for those with bulimia to be driven by fear of gaining weight and struggle with distorted body image. Those with binge eating disorders may feel uncomfortable in their bodies, but may not have as strong of a preoccupation with their body and weight as those with bulimia.
What type of support is needed to recover from bulimia or binge eating disorder?
To recover from any eating disorder or disordered eating, seeking support is extremely important. An early diagnosis and beginning the road to recovery can help prevent further health issues, psychological or mood issues, and prevent the need for a higher level of care.
To recover from an eating disorder, a treatment team is particularly helpful to maintain and monitor symptoms and recovery. An eating disorder team, whether seen on an outpatient level, or in a treatment program, will consist of different clinicians. This may include:
1) Therapist
Working with a therapist to recover from an eating disorder is vital. A therapist can help identify and address any underlying issues that may be driving the disordered eating behaviors. They can also provide support and guidance as someone works to make changes in their relationship with food.
Therapy for an eating disorder will likely include:
- Addressing any body image concerns
- Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs around food and eating
- Addressing any underlying mental health issues such as anxiety or depression
- Learning healthy coping skills
2) Dietitian
Working with a dietitian with experience in eating disorders is also an important part of treatment. A dietitian can help normalize someone's relationship with food and their eating habits. They can also provide education on nutrition and how to fuel the body healthily.
Some things a dietitian may work on with someone recovering from an eating disorder include:
- Creating a meal plan
- Addressing any disordered eating behaviors around food
- Helping to create a healthy relationship with food
- Educating on nutrition and how to fuel the body
3) Primary Care Physician
Working with a doctor during the recovery process from an eating disorder is also important. They can help to monitor any physical health concerns and provide guidance on how to care for the body. A doctor can also help keep your therapist and dietitian informed about any health concerns that may warrant a higher level of care.
Related: Is My Eating Disorder Treatment Team Right For Me?
Can you tell what eating disorder someone is struggling with by looking at them?
It is important to remember that you cannot tell what eating dsiorder someone is struggling with by looking at them. Stigma and misconceptions have often misled people to believe only people in smaller bodies can struggle with restrictive or compensatory eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, while those in larger bodies must be struggling with binge eating disorder. The truth is that people of all sizes can be struggling with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.
Is an eating disorder diagnosis important?
While an eating disorder diagnosis may seem like a small thing, it is an important part of the recovery process. A formal eating disorder diagnosis can provide access to treatment and insurance coverage for treatment. It can also help validate someone's experience and feelings. Finally, a diagnosis can help friends and family understand what their loved one is going through and how they can best support them.
What are the first steps to reaching out for help?
Recovery from an eating disorder is possible with the right support. If you or someone you know is struggling with bulimia, binge eating disorder, or any eating disorder behaviors, reaching out for treatment is a great first step. Our team at Central Coast Treatment Center would be happy to answer any questions you may have about bulimia, binge eating disorder and treatment options. Learn more about our programs and give us a call, we look forward to helping you or your loved one on the journey to recovery.