Do I actually have BED?
Ever since middle school, I have struggled with my eating. Its been on and off, ranging from properly fueling my body, stuffing myself stupid, and eating so little that I would shake. I binge probably once every 1-2 weeks, usually when I am home alone and not doing anything. On paper, this sounds like a form of BED. But saying that just seems disrespectful... I am a little heavier than most of my friends, but I believe it is because I have been weightlifting and doing CrossFit for about two years. By no means am I fat, so why do I feel that way? I restrict my eating, then end up binging when Im alone. I dont feel like I fit with the BED label, but calling myself anorexic seems even more ridiculous. I know I need help but I dont know what to identify with or how to get better. I dont like the weight Im at but cant stop binging. Even when I try to go on a good, adequate diet I end up binging. Thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
@dynamicPark9190
Hello!
Unfortunately I don't think we can tell you if you have BED (and if you get a 'diagnosis' on here you should totally ignore it!). The reality is that BED varies so much. Often people assume people with BED might be very thin or very overweight; they might be consuming a huge amount of food every night etc etc. In reality though BED can look very different for everyone.
Can I ask, is there a big need to 'identify' with a diagnosis? How important is that to you? It sounds like you know there's a problem but the way I see it a diagnosis isn't always important. All it is is a name for what you're experiencing. Sometimes there isn't even a name! Like EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified).
With all that said though - here is a little bit of info from the DSM -
https://www.dovepress.com/cr_data/article_fulltext/s80000/80881/img/NDT-80881-T01.png and if you are still unsatisfied and looking for a diagnosis, your doctor would be the best first step.
