Here are 3 other consequences of binge eating disorder that people might not see either:
From the outside, you might put on a good front so that people don't know that you have an unhealthy relationship with food. On the inside, the struggles continue to beat you up. You talk down to yourself and might not feel worthy of truly loving yourself. Guilty feelings might even take over your every thought because you don't feel strong enough to stop binge eating. All of these negative ways of treating yourself really help you to have a low self-esteem.
2. Friends, Family, and Co-Workers
This was a big consequence for me, along with gaining weight. I completely withdrew myself from seeing my friends and family. I knew that my family would comment on my weight gain and being with my friends would only make me feel worse about myself, which would lead to another binge. I felt much more comfortable staying inside my house alone with food. It was a safe place for me (or so I thought). If you find yourself saying no to invitations, try to get out there even though it can be difficult. A true relationship is one that you can never have with food and your friends and family will love you unconditionally.
3. Lack of Dreams
Binge eating disorder can make you stop dreaming and hoping for a better future. It can take away all of your goals and dreams for your life. It's a cycle because all of the dreams you used to have are taken away because of the lack of self-love for yourself. You don't feel worth it anymore and don't feel like you deserve to accomplish a goal. Instead, you might be more likely to just give up and settle without ever going after what it is your truly want.
If you can relate to any of these consequences of binge eating disorder, try to figure out things that you can do in place of bingeing. Instead of raiding the pantry, why not deal with the reason why you are feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, or angry. Yes, it's difficult, but doing small things will help you build a strong foundation... and as time passes on with these little successes you will be more likely to treat yourself with the respect you deserve, instead of binge eating.
Kristin Gerstley is a former binge eater that now has a very healthy relationship with food. Since 2005, Kristin has helped thousands of people who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder through her website: http://www.endbingeeating.com You can also get free tips and information by joining Kristin's newsletter on: http://www.bingeeatingdisorderhelp.com
