Overeating Or Binge Eating: How To Tell The Difference

Since the pandemic, many people have noticed a significant change in their eating habits. One in four people says they are eating less healthily, and the average Brit consumes an extra 2331 calories a week in lockdown.

For some people, the stress, anxiety and boredom during the last year and beyond have caused unhealthy eating habits and patterns to come out. Some people notice that they’re eating more because of emotional and comfort eating, while others may simply not notice but find themselves overeating mindlessly, such as while watching TV. Sometimes, overeating is a serious problem with binge eating.

So, when does overindulgence become overeating? And how can you tell the difference between overeating and binge eating?

What Is Binge Eating?

Binge eating is the most common eating disorder and usually occurs when a large amount of food is consumed in a short space of time or until you feel uncomfortably full. A binge eating episode is usually done alone and can often be planned.

Binge eating affects both men and women. Typically, 40% of those with binge eating disorders are male. Furthermore, 30% of those seeking weight loss treatments can show signs of binge eating disorder. This is especially true with very restrictive diets or weight loss programs.

Binge eating often comes with many negative emotions such as shame, low mood and low self-worth.

How Can You Tell The Difference Between Binge Eating And Overeating?

What’s Your Mood Like?

Overeating can be during a time of celebration, such as having an extra portion during a dinner party or several slices of cake during a birthday. Overeating can also occur with comfort eating, for example, ordering a large takeaway after a rough day. In many instances, there is no real reason for overeating; it could simply be the case that food is just there!

On the other hand, binge eating will often come with a low mood and low self-worth. Often people who binge eat will experience poor mental health, such as anxiety, depression and mental anguish.

Both overeaters and those who binge eat may experience a level of guilt. However, guilt is far more prevalent and distressing for those with binge eating disorders.

Are You Present?

Another distinguishing factor between binge eating disorder and overeating is how present you feel during eating. With overeating, you are conscious of the decisions you make around eating. For example, you would be aware of helping yourself to an extra serving or choosing what to eat next in a movie marathon.

In a binge-eating episode, individuals will describe feeling in a trance or completely zoned out of what they are doing. You do not consciously decide what to eat. Furthermore, you may feel like you physically cannot stop eating.

Do You Feel Full?

As there is consciousness with overeating, most people, when they overeat, will stop before they become uncomfortably full. If you eat to the point of feeling uncomfortable, there is a trigger that makes you stop.

For binge eating, it is possible to go beyond the feeling of fullness. It is common to feel uncomfortably full to the point that it is very painful during a binge eating episode.

How Fast Are You Eating?

Another key difference between overeating and binge eating is how fast you consume food. Overeating is usually a leisurely activity. It can be grazing all evening, or perhaps eating more during mealtime.

On the other hand, binge eating is a rapid response with a sense of urgency. You will typically consume food much quicker than normal during a binge-eating episode.

How Often Does It Occur?

With a binge eating disorder, the consumption of large amounts of food will typically happen at least once a week. Those who binge eat will often try to plan the event to make sure they are eating alone or in secret.

Overeating can be frequent or one-off occasions but isn’t planned in the same way. Most overeaters will not need to be alone for it to take place. However, some people may find that they do overeat when alone, out of boredom or indulgence.

Seeking Help For Overeating And Binge Eating

While binge eating and overeating are two separate issues, there is help for both, but the approach is different. If you’re looking for support with binge eating or overeating, hypnotherapy can be transformative. Using a blended therapy method.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are proven to be effective treatments for binge eating disorders. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to unwanted behaviours.