Dealing With Financial Loss and Binge Eating Disorder

On the surface level, individuals who are affected by binge eating disorder may seem to simply have a lack of self-control when it comes to food and eating, but there are countless of complex factors that contribute to the development of this psychiatric illness. But dealing with financial loss and binge eating disorder add to the complexities of the struggle.

People who struggle with binge eating disorder cannot simply “choose” to stop abnormal eating behaviors, as these are often controlled and propelled by strong genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors.

How Binge Eating Disorder Can Impact an Individual Who is Struggling

A person who is dealing with binge eating disorder will commonly experience a variety of abnormal eating behaviors that will permeate every aspect of their life. For this reason, seeking out professional care is necessary for recovery, as many adverse consequences can result if this eating disorder is left ignored.

An individual who engages in binge eating is commonly driven to eat compulsively, even when not physically hungry, and will consume an abnormally large quantity of food in a short amount of time.

A binging will look different for each individual who is dealing with this disorder: some individuals may find themselves spending increased amount of money to fund binges, including purchasing food for binges at grocery stores, fast food restaurants, and more.

Depending on the frequency of a binge, a person may find that a large portion of their money is going towards the purchase of food specifically intended to binge on.

Obtaining enough money to finance a binge can lead a person to spending behaviors that become detrimental, such as utilizing credit cards, spending beyond what is reasonably being made, taking out loans, and borrowing or stealing money.

Dealing With Financial Loss and Binge Eating Disorder

As excessive money is repeatedly spent to fund binges, a person struggling with this disorder will begin to experience financial difficulty.

It is important to understand that financial struggles are stemming from the eating disorder itself, and properly addressing this will ultimately help a person regain control over their finances.

Treatment for binge eating disorder requires comprehensive care that can address the many factors contributing to this eating disorder and ultimately help a person put back together the many pieces of his or her life, including their finances.

If you or someone you love has been dealing with binge eating disorder and subsequent financial difficulties, be sure to talk with a professional immediately to seek out the appropriate help and support you need for recovery.

---

About the Author:

Crystal Karges, RDN is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating.

Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her nutrition private practice.

---

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 28, 2019
Published March 28, 2016, on EatingDisorderHope.com