BED: how to stop binge eating

Written by: Dr Bijal Chheda-Varma
Published:
Edited by: Laura Burgess

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterised by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; followed by experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards. Leading London psychologist Dr Bijal Chheda-Varma discusses the triggers behind binge eating and what lifestyle measures can be taken to overcome the condition.

How do I know if I am a binge eater?

If you are eating voluminous quantities of food in a short space of time, it may be considered binge eating.
 

What causes BED?

Although there is no one particular cause for binge eating disorder, several variables trigger and maintain binge eating cycles. Binge eating in order to manage difficult emotions such as loneliness, sadness or anger, for example, is a key mechanism. Emotional deprivation or neglect during childhood may also be considered as a key variable.

What are the health risks?

Like with overeating and obesity, weight gain, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol issues are associated with binge eating. Binge eating can also lead to or exacerbate mood and other psychological disorders.
 

What are the treatment options for BED?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) specifically for binge eating disorder is known to help individuals overcome the behavioural issues around eating. It also involves changing the mindset towards food and eating and building coping strategies for managing feelings. If and when there are long-standing emotional issues, a combination of CBT and psycho-dynamic therapy can be helpful.
 

What lifestyle measures can I take to stop BED?

Understanding nutrition and our body’s requirements are very important. A balance of exercise and healthy eating with relaxation and stress management techniques can help the process of recovery.

 

If you’re living with BED, do not hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Chheda-Varma to talk about your emotions.

By Dr Bijal Chheda-Varma
Psychology

Dr Bijal Chheda-Varma is a consultant chartered psychologist (CPsychol, BPS), registered psychologist (HCPC), and a licensed psychometric and neuro-psychiatric test user based in London.

She is the founder and director of the Foundation for Clinical Interventions (FFCI) which specialises in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment/support for autism, Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive conditions.

Dr Chheda-Varma's niche is in offering intensive, but goal-oriented and time-limited treatment and therapy. She uses evidence-based treatment models and CBT is her predominant therapy style in both individual and group therapy. She sees a wide spectrum of clinical and complex psychological conditions but specialises in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD and eating disorders.

After beginning her career as a lead psychologist within a rehabilitation unit for addictions, Dr Chheda-Varma went on to be the lead clinician for the Nightingale Hospital's CBT team from June 2013 until June 2014. Currently, she also practises as part of The Blue Door Practice alongside her own private clinic.

View Profile

Overall assessment of their patients


  • Related procedures
  • Psychological treatments
    Relationship counselling
    Paediatric psychology
    Neuropsychology
    Mental health assessment
    Toxic Addiction (alcoholism)
    Psychotic disorders
    Eating disorders
    Psychopharmacology
    Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
    This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.