Can you be thin and have a binge eating disorder?

Yes, you can be thin and have binge eating. Of course! Binge eating is when you eat excessively, but you can still be skinny depending on numerous factors such as your genetics or having a fast metabolism. Binge Eating Disorder is described as eating more in a given period of time to the point of feeling uncomfortable and even sick. Eating "more" can be compared to other individuals or the time/place in which the episode occurred. For example, eating a little more than usual at holidays (such as Christmas) would not be that out of the ordinary, since most people tend to eat more at some holidays. However, eating to the point of feeling ill and sick daily or even just a few times a week, could be indicative of a problem

Of course! Eating disorders are a group of mental health conditions, and although weight gain/loss are common symptoms - the actual illness is happening psychologically. Binge eating disorder is hard enough as it is, so I am sorry that there are lots of misconceptions about the illness. Unfortunately far too many people believe that they have not gained or lost enough noticeable weight to be worthy of receiving support... However, please do know that if you are struggling with your eating patterns or a potential eating disorder - you are more than within your rights to access the help that you need and deserve.

Yes, it is very possible. Some people have faster metabolism, so they are able to eat a lot and process it quicker; while others have slower metabolism rates and tend to process and digest food slower. Everyone’s body is different and deals with eating disorders differently. If you or a friend/loved one is struggling with an eating disorder or weight management, know you are not alone/let them know they are not alone. Many people, obese and skinny and anywhere in between, can have eating disorders. Society seems to make it appear that all and only overweight people struggle with eating disorders. But that is entirely not true! People who are overweight don’t always have body image issues or eating disorders, and thin people don’t always have an amazing body image, etc. The bottom line is, anyone, no matter their circumstances, can suffer from these kinds of disorders.

Eating disorders are very complex and usually one eating disorders leads to another one. Constant binge eating (excessive intake of food in a short period of time), would normally lead to gaining weight. But if a person suppers from another eating disorder too like anorexia (restricting the intake of food or even avoiding food completely for periods of time) or bulimia (throwing up after eating) it's possible that a person having binge eating disorder stays skinny or even looses weight since at the end he or she will be ingesting and keeping less calories than needed for her or his body height. I wouldn't say binge eating alone can cause someone to stay thin (unless you are eating only veggies ), but the sum of more than one eating disorder that includes binge eating. If you are suffering from this or know anyone who is please seek professional medical help! we are here for you to support you on your journey !

Absolutely. Eating disorders don't discriminate and they hurt people from the inside out. The whole "Oh, you don't look like you have an eating disorder." is complete bologna. Eating disorders are a psychological disorder where you struggle to find balance in your eating habits which harm your mental and physical health. I have anorexia and I don't look like the "typical" anorexic but my body really was hurting from my unhealthy eating habits just as a think person might not look "fat" or "unhealthy" their insides could be really damaged or the binge eating could be hurting them emotionally or psychologically. Eating disorders come in all shapes in sizes but the whole idea of them is that they hurt people with the imbalance or unhealthy concept of food. Excessively eating or starving are both unhealthy no matter what you look like.

Absolutely. Eating disorders are a very complex thing to understand and have the potential to change the way they 'look' from person to person. For example, one person might have a binge eating disorder but appear very healthy for a number of reasons. This doesn't make their disorder any less valid, but can be the cause of some self-doubt that they are struggling. Eating disorders have a lot of stereotypes surrounding what people think they look like, however, these stereotypes don't define the true reality of eating disorders and don't show the truth - everyone is valid in their struggles!

Yes, you can. It depends on your metabolism and how well you're eating in general. It could also depend on your lifestyle choices, including how much exercise you get on a daily basis, or how much time you're moving around, or how much stress you might have on your shoulders. It also depends on how often you're binge eating, or if the binge eating is replacing daily meals. I know a few people who are thin but binge eat a lot (not necessarily a disorder though), including myself. Generally, you can definitely be thin and also have a binge eating disorder.

Yes. Binge eating disorder is defined by behaviors and thought patterns rather than a person's body type or composition. A person can be thin, overweight, or athletic and still have a binge eating disorder. As long as the person engages in binge eating of some kind, in a way that disrupts their life, they may struggle with a potential disorder. Some simply binge eat, but others may pair this behavior with over-exercising or purging. The defining relationship with food usually involves using food to cope in some way that involves consciously eating past the point of being satiated with some amount of regularity.

Yes, you can be thin and have binge eating disorder. Having an eating disorder doesn't mean you look a certain way. You can be anorexic and not be thin. Eating disorders are very complicated and very complex. Eating disorders can also merge into another type of eating disorder, per say you have bulimia, it can merge into anorexia, and vise versa. Eating disorders can also be very life threatening. Purging and starving yourself can be very dangerous, to thee point where you end up in the ER and have to be on a feeding tube. So be very cautious if you have an eating disorder because they can be very dangerous!

Yes. Anyone can have (most, anorexia is weight based) eating disorders at any size. Plenty of people have a high metabolism. What makes it a disorder is the uncontrollable nature of the impulse. For most it comes as a coping mechanism, a way to comfort yourself. You may have trigger foods that make you want to binge without knowing it. You'll have to look into your life and see what you turn to and what you eat an excessive/feel awful after eating. Michelle Daniels has a good video on coping with a binge eating disorder on Youtube. But remember, this is just a site. Medical professionals are always recommended over us.