Food Hoarding and Bulimia

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that develops as a result of many factors, including a person’s genetic susceptibility, personality and temperament, and environmental and social exposures. While specific signs and symptoms characterize bulimia, there can be variations among certain behaviors due to different individual situations.

People who are more compulsive by nature may tend to react to situations differently than a person who may be less compulsive. Similarly, circumstances that a person has endured in their life will influence their tendencies and behaviors around food, particularly if an eating disorder is part of the picture.

Hoarding in Anticipation of a Binge

For some individuals who struggle with bulimia, hoarding food can become part of the disease. A person may stockpile large amounts of food in various places where a binge may typically occur for them, such as in their home, car, a break room, etc. Some bulimia sufferers may hoard food in anticipation of an upcoming binge.

This behavior effectually distracts and numbs from other things occurring in life that may be more painful or overwhelming to deal with. Depending on the frequency of a binge, an individual may create stockpiles throughout the week in preparation and planning for a time to binge.

The Control Factor of Hoarding Food

Having a significant or certain amount of food for binging on can be part of control for the person dealing with bulimia. In some circumstances related to abuse or abandonment, having a stockpile of food can be a tangible way for a person to create a means of security, attention, or even love.

Any disruption in a hoarded pile of food can create anxiety, distress, tension, or cause an individual to feel a loss of control.

Finding an Approach to Healing that Works for You

Whether you are an individual struggling with food hoarding tendencies as part of bulimia or if you live with someone who exhibits these behaviors, it is important to know that help is available for recovery.

A holistic approach to healing can help address the more complex issues at the root of bulimia, which may help a person in their recovery journey from this eating disorder. Working with an eating disorder specialist or treatment team can help someone overcome food hoarding tendencies and live life more freely.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

Are you in recovery from bulimia or do you know someone who has recovered from bulimia? Have you struggled with food hoarding as part of your bulimia? How did this subside as you recovered?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 11th, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com