Is it normal to binge eat in recovery from anorexia or does that mean you are developing another eating disorder ?

23 Answers Moderated by Lindsay Scheinerman, MA, LPC Updated: Oct 5, 2020

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13samamas on Jun 9, 2015

It can go either way. You are eating, but if it continues to go on after recovery, then you are developing another eating disorder. 

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Raspberrycheesecake on Sep 10, 2018

One thing that can help is seeing your eating disorder in a more positive light. However, the main goal of recovering from an eating disorder is to have the mental ability and be timed correctly for you and to have a more balanced diet and meals. It can help by maybe making a food journal and getting into a regular habit of eating 3 meals a day and some snacks during the day. This is going to take time, and I understand that it will be hard, but it will be worth it when you full recover and feel much better.

Anonymous on Feb 15, 2016

It's normal to have a LOT of cravings after such a long period of restriction... but if you keep bingeing (and not healthily satisfying your cravings with moderate amounts of the food that you have a craving for)  it could also become a habit and then become Binge Eating Disorder (BED) but if caught and managed early it can be prevented. It's common to have so much cravings it's hard to control it during the anorexia recovery process.. that's why strictly following the diet plan created by your team  (the dietitian) , really helps! Also apparently, from personal experience, having supplements such as Ensure for snacks , alongside meals, instead of sweet treats or junk food .. can help you manage the cravings and not binge on any really good stuff , while also providing you with a lot of vitamins and minerals . But that does not mean we should not allow ourselves slightly less healthy treats once in a while, in moderation :) (otherwise there's the risk of orthorexia too if you develop a rigid habit of not being able to eat anything that's not "healthy" and that can become an unhealthy obsession!)

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Kyarra on Oct 17, 2016

Well, your body is desperately craving all of the nutrients that it hasn't had for so long. Binge eating is not abnormal in such a situation, but it is still something you should speak about with your doctor.

DancingAlong on May 22, 2017

Recovery from any eating disorder is very different for each person. Someone recovering from anorexia might swing the opposite direction and binge eat. This can be because of the body's need for food, or because of a change in mindset. Eating disorders are not hard and fast rules. Many people can change between different diagnoses over time. The important thing is to communicate with your medical team and share your concerns. They can't help if they don't know. 

Anonymous on Apr 28, 2015

the best way is to be mindful when eating. don't put too much pressure on yourself and taking thing step by step. 

animalShiny52 on Nov 13, 2015

I think it happens quite often. But in my view it's a good sign because you are able to let the old Habit go. Overeating isn't good, but it helped me to loose the fear of Food. To be honest I'm not fine yet because my eating Habit has to get the Balance but now I have the Chance to improve my mental health. I don't love my Body yet, because I've gained a lot, but It's something I can accept during working on my Problems. So Keep going, you will find your way! Never give up!!

dancingArrow44 on Feb 16, 2016

If you're eating more than you should, then yes, it could develop into a problem. Even during recovery from anorexia, you have a certain limit to which you can eat. If you force yourself, then it'll have bad effects on your body and health. Eat the prescribed amount to regain your former health and shape back. Anything if excess is always bad. 

aalexisromoo on May 9, 2016

it depends on what you're eating. try to start eating healthily, not only junk food. junk is good but it isn't beneficial to your body. binge eating disorder is when you eat emotionally, so if you think you're over eating (eating more than the average person would), you may have b.e.d.. talk to a doctor if you have suspicions for the best treatment. good luck! (:

Anonymous on Oct 20, 2016

I think it is common to struggle with finding a balance. Part of recovery can involve swinging wildly from one extreme (starving, calorie counting) to the other (bingeing). The big picture goal is about developing a new relationship with food that isn't tied up with the deeper emotional issues. Good luck to you!