Dieting is a widespread phenomenon. Many people are encouraged to start diets for many reasons. However, what may seem like a harmless path often leads to an unhealthy relationship with food and the development of an eating disorder. In this blog, we will explore the harmful effects of dieting, statistics surrounding eating disorders, and how dieting can inadvertently contribute to binge eating. Understanding this cycle is crucial for fostering a compassionate approach towards those struggling and promoting a healthier perspective on body image and eating habits. Keep reading to learn how dieting can lead to binge eating disorder.
Dieting and Eating Disorder Statistics
45 million people in the United States diet each year, and this number continues to rise. Here are some important statistics regarding the relationship between dieting and eating disorders…
- Up to 35% of “normal” dieters progress to pathological dieting
- 20-25% of these individuals will develop eating disorders
- 35-57% of adolescent girls engage in crash dieting, fasting, self-induced vomiting, diet pills, or laxatives
- Overweight girls are more likely than normal-weight girls to engage in such extreme dieting
- Girls who diet frequently are 12 times as likely to binge as girls who don’t diet
- Multiple studies have found that dieting was associated with greater weight gain and increased rates of binge eating in both boys and girls
- 3 out of 10 individuals looking for weight loss treatments show signs of binge eating disorder (BED)
What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?
As mentioned above, multiple studies have shown that there is a connection between dieting and binge eating disorder (BED). If you’re not familiar with BED, here is a quick refresher.
BED is the most common eating disorder in the U.S., affecting millions of people. For context, BED is more prevalent than breast cancer, HIV, and schizophrenia. In fact, it’s three times more common than anorexia and bulimia combined. Despite this, BED is under-researched and often misunderstood.
Those with BED tend to eat quickly, continue eating when feeling full, and/or go through frequent cycles of dieting. Also, they often report feeling out of control around food and ashamed of their eating habits. These are just a few characteristics of BED. If you’re interested in learning more about BED check out our page, “Binge Eating Disorder,” or take our quiz, “Do I Have Binge Eating Disorder (BED).”
How Dieting Can Lead to Binge Eating or BED
The journey towards dieting can quickly evolve into an unhealthy fixation. Dieting restricts our food intake and creates an imbalance in one’s relationship with food. As the body becomes deprived of essential nutrients, it starts to crave the foods that are restricted. These cravings can intensify and lead to an overwhelming urge to consume large quantities of “forbidden” foods. This pattern creates a cycle that eventually culminates in binge eating.
Moreover, dieting can impact emotional well-being, self-esteem, and body image. If an individual perceives a lack of progress or fails to adhere to their diet plan, feelings of guilt and shame can arise, further exacerbating the cycle of binge eating. It’s essential to recognize that these behaviors are not a lack of willpower but rather a natural response to the body’s physiological and psychological needs. Your body is doing its best to protect you.
Recovery Steps for BED
Breaking free from the harmful cycle of dieting and binge eating is challenging but possible with the right support and understanding. Recovery from binge eating involves embracing a compassionate and holistic approach to mental and physical health. Here are some key steps in the journey to recovery…
- Seek Professional Help: Reach out to healthcare professionals, dietitians, therapists, or counselors who specialize in eating disorders. They can provide tailored guidance and support throughout the recovery process.
- Cultivate Self-Compassion: Practice self-kindness and recognize that healing takes time. Be patient with yourself, acknowledging that recovery is not linear.
- Identify Triggers: Work with a therapist or eating disorder dietitian to identify emotional triggers and develop a variety of coping mechanisms. Engaging in activities like journaling, walking, or meditation can help manage stress and emotions without resorting to binge eating. Understanding that using food to cope is also okay can help make food not feel “off limits” or problematic.
Final Thoughts on How Dieting Can Lead to Binge Eating Disorder
Thank you for reading this resource on how dieting can lead to binge eating disorder. Dieting can lead to harmful consequences, including the development of binge eating disorder. Understanding the cycle of dieting and binge eating is crucial to promoting a healthier relationship with food and body image. By embracing self-compassion and seeking professional help, individuals can embark on a path to recovery.
Contact US
Courage to Nourish is a group of eating disorder specialized dietitians. We have in person locations in Alexandria, Virginia, Columbia, Maryland. and College Park, Maryland. We offer virtual services across the state of Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. We offer individual nutrition therapy. As well as support groups. We would love to guide you in building a better relationship with food.
Emilee Young, RD, LD, is an eating disorder dietitian who serves Alexandria, VA, Richmond, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Norfolk, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, and Roanoke, VA. She provides in person services in our Alexandria, VA office and virtual services elsewhere. Emilee also sees clients who live in Maryland and DC.
Contact us for more information. And to schedule a discovery call. Also, sign up for our client or clinician newsletter!
Take one of our eating disorder quizzes:
I am a Registered Dietitian dedicated to helping those in recovery. I enjoy helping individuals work towards body acceptance and find food freedom. I am a fat-positive and anti-diet dietitian practicing from an intuitive eating lens. I enjoy working with folks who struggle with binge eating disorder (BED). I serve clients virtually and in person throughout DC and Maryland. Growing up in Virginia, I am passionate about supporting clients throughout the greater areas of Richmond, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, and Roanoke.
