Difference between Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder

A Quick Guide

Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder are both eating disorders characterized by binge eating episodes. However, the main difference is that individuals with bulimia use compensatory behaviors such as purging, while those with binge eating disorder do not. Symptoms of bulimia include distorted body image, excessive exercise, and misuse of laxatives, while binge eating disorder is characterized by uncontrollable overeating, feelings of guilt, and depression. Both disorders can have significant physical and emotional consequences, and individuals often hide their struggles.

Understanding Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder

Bulimia Nervosa and Binge eating disorder both are serious eating disorders that if left untreated can lead to a lot of other health complications. While both these disorders share some same symptoms, they can both be equally distressing. Though there is one major difference that will be discussed ahead.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), around 9% of the population is affected by eating disorders worldwide. 

Binge eating disorder is characterized by eating a large amount of food in a short period of time. This is mostly referred to as binge eating episodes and a person may feel specifically out of control during these episodes. 

While Bulimia nervosa is also characterized by the same binge eating episodes the only main difference is that a person may use purging or other methods as compensatory behaviors after a binge eating episode.

Let’s take a look at both these disorder’s symptoms ahead: 

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

Now with bulimia nervous is that a person may use harmful behaviors as compensation for their binge eating episodes. These behaviors can include excessive exercise, fasting, or purging. 

These people behave in this way because of their intense fear of becoming fat and so they try to restrict their calorie consumption but it does come at the cost of their relationship with food. 

Some of the symptoms of bulimia nervous include the following:

• A distorted body image, for instance, a person may see themselves as overweight while in reality, they may be significantly underweight. 
• Excessive exercise for several hours a day. 
• Misuse of laxatives or diuretics. 
• These people may feel uncomfortable eating around others.

Furthermore, those with bulimia also tend to hide the fact that they may be struggling because there is a significant factor of shame, guilt, and embarrassment. 

There are some signs that you can look out for when it comes to bulimia nervosa:

• Swollen cheeks or jaw
• Calloused knuckles
• Teeth stains
• Being bloated

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

Even though a person may at times tend to overeat when sad or lonely which is referred to as emotional eating. There are times when a person’s eating habits go completely out of control. They persistently overeat to the point of being uncomfortably full. Afterward, they may feel ashamed, guilty, or disgusted with themselves. 

Some of the common symptoms of binge eating disorder include:

• Consuming a large amount of food in a small amount of time without being conscious of what you are eating. 
• Eating a large amount of food even when you are not hungry. 
• Eating in private because you may feel embarrassed eating in public.
• Feel depressed or guilty after an episode that can in severe cases lead to suicidal thoughts. 
• Have binge eating episodes at least once per week for 3 consecutive months. 

Moreover, those with binge eating disorder may be overweight and very self-conscious about their bodies. And since these people tend to hide their struggle for fear of embarrassment. It can be really hard to notice the signs and help these individuals.

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about the differences between Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating disorder.