Most people overeat from time to time, but binge eating is tinged with a definite lack of control. It felt like if only I could eat another one, and I did, I could crawl into the BLT and feel wonderful. There was no connection with my body at that moment. It was the glorious feeling of not feeling. It dulls feelings of hopelessness and low self esteem.
People use eating to assuage psychological pain, which can lead to an addiction-like state.
Loeb, who had the disorder for 8 years between the ages of 16 and 24, now works to help those with similar problems. Eating until uncomfortably full. Eating large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry. Eating alone out of embarrassment at the quantity of food being eaten. Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating.