Breaking the Stigma: Binge Eating Disorder and the Barriers to Treatment National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) is a time dedicated to increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for better access to treatment for individuals struggling with eating disorders. While anorexia and bulimia often take center stage in public conversations about eating disorders, there’s one condition that is both the most common and the least likely to receive adequate treatment: Binge Eating Disorder (BED).
Binge Eating Disorder: The Most Common Yet Most Overlooked Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder affects millions of individuals across all body sizes, genders, and backgrounds. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of distress, guilt, and a sense of loss of control.
Despite being the most prevalent eating disorder, BED is often misunderstood and overlooked. Many individuals struggling with BED go undiagnosed or do not seek help due to shame, misinformation, or lack of awareness in the medical community.
Why Aren’t More People Receiving Treatment for BED?
Several barriers contribute to the underdiagnosis and lack of treatment for BED:
Weight Stigma in Healthcare – Many individuals with BED live in larger bodies, and instead of receiving appropriate eating disorder treatment, they are often encouraged to diet or lose weight. This not only ignores the underlying disorder but can actually worsen binge eating behaviors.
Lack of Awareness – Unlike anorexia or bulimia, BED is not as widely recognized or understood. Many people assume their struggles with binge eating are due to a lack of willpower rather than a legitimate eating disorder that requires professional intervention.
Shame and Stigma – Societal messages that equate binge eating with laziness or lack of self-control prevent many individuals from seeking help. The fear of judgment can make it difficult for people to reach out for support.
Limited Access to Specialized Care – Many healthcare providers are not adequately trained in diagnosing and treating BED, leading to missed opportunities for intervention. Insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment can also be a major hurdle.
Changing the Narrative: A Weight-Inclusive, Anti-Diet Approach
One of the most important ways we can support those with BED is by shifting the conversation around food, bodies, and health. A weight-inclusive, anti-diet approach acknowledges that binge eating is not a personal failing but a complex disorder that requires compassionate, evidence-based care.
During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, let’s work to break the stigma surrounding BED and advocate for more accessible and inclusive treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating, know that support is available, and healing is possible.
Want to learn more about how to heal your relationship with food and body? Join our community at Shore Wellness Counseling for resources, support, and a compassionate approach to binge recovery.