By Rachel D. Egan, PMHNP-BC, Co-founder and clinical director

Despite growth in the areas of eating disorder and mental health awareness, I still encounter so many clients in my office who come in with intense guilt and shame about binge eating behaviors, having been told by providers, family and society that they just need to exercise more discipline and will-power around their eating. Here are the REAL top reasons I see my clients struggling with bingeing (notice willpower is not listed!)

1. Restricting during the day. This tends to be the most common reason that clients find themselves on the binge/restrict seesaw. Clients will come in reporting being “good” all day—which turns out to mean they’ve way undereaten all day, so naturally they are hungry in the afternoons and evenings, and the body demands food!
2. Vitamin deficiencies. This is a lesser known, but no less potent reason for binge urges. Clients with vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, with B12 being the biggest culprit, have a much higher likelihood for binge eating behaviors. Always have your levels checked by a provider you trust before adding any supplements into your regimen.
3. Undiagnosed ADHD. Clients who struggle with undiagnosed ADHD are at increased risk for impulsive behaviors that provide immediate reward, like binge eating. ADHD is commonly underdiagnosed particularly in women. If you are struggling with binge eating behaviors, a thorough psychiatric assessment should include questions about impulsive behaviors in other areas of life.

Identifying root causes of behaviors can reduce shame and increase empowerment; talk to a trusted professional for support if you are struggling with eating disorder behaviors.