1. @PookyH www.inourhands.com pooky@inourhands.com Binge Eating Disorder Warning Signs & Characteristics Dr Pooky Knightsmith

2. @PookyH www.inourhands.com pooky@inourhands.com Warning Signs One or two of these warning signs may not be indicative of Binge Eating disorder. However, if you notice several of these signs then you are right to be concerned. People with binge eating disorder are routinely dismissed as being lazy or greedy. This is not the case. Binge eating disorder is a recognised mental health issue which needs support and treatment.

3. @PookyH www.inourhands.com pooky@inourhands.com Increasing Weight You’ll notice that weight steadily increases more rapidly than would be expected according to normal growth charts. This may be despite the fact that the young person concerned is seen to be actively trying to control their weight by eating healthily.

4. @PookyH www.inourhands.com pooky@inourhands.com Lack of Control When eating, somebody with binge eating disorder will often feel a complete lack of control. A part of them may want to stop but they may feel completely unable to do so. “It was like I was being controlled by remote and I couldn’t find the stop button.”

5. @PookyH www.inourhands.com pooky@inourhands.com Eating Rapidly During a binge, eating often happens very rapidly. “I barely paused to chew – people talk about inhaling their food, I was basically doing just that. I could eat five thousand calories in a few minutes.”

6. @PookyH www.inourhands.com pooky@inourhands.com Eating When Full A binge does not rely on hunger. Someone with binge eating disorder may eat large quantities of food even in the absence of hunger. They may also constantly snack and never feel satiated. “However much I eat I never stop. I never feel full and I never feel happy.”

7. @PookyH www.inourhands.com pooky@inourhands.com Hiding or Stealing Food Binges often involve eating a very large amount of food. In order to prepare for binges, a sufferer may stockpile food. If they are unable to afford food, it is not uncommon for sufferers to either steal food. If you are aware of a child stealing food it is always worth exploring further as it can be indicative of neglect, binge eating or an unhealthy attachment to food in the absence of an attachment to a primary caregiver.

8. @PookyH www.inourhands.com pooky@inourhands.com Eating Relieves Stress Someone with binge eating disorder will often have no other way of managing their emotions other than by eating. For this reason, the disorder is sometimes referred to as emotional overeating. Sufferers often talk about having their pain numbed for a little while. “Whenever I was upset or anxious I turned first to food.”

9. @PookyH www.inourhands.com pooky@inourhands.com Guilt after Eating People suffering with binge eating disorder are often acutely aware of the fact they are overweight and will feel very guilty after a binge. The shame and guilt they feel following a binge can be a key factor in maintaining the cycle of the disorder as it contributes further to their low mood and lack of self-worth making future binges more likely.

10. Need more support? Dr Pooky Knightsmith specialises in mental health and emotional well-being in the school setting. She can provide training sessions or workshops for school staff, parents or students on a variety of topics, including self-harm and eating disorders. For further information and free resources visit www.inourhands.com Email: pooky@inourhands.com Twitter: @PookyH