Binge eating at night is more common than many people realize, yet unfortunately, it isn’t widely discussed. For some people, nighttime can be the most challenging part of the day, especially after spending hours trying to maintain control over their eating. Many people experience shame surrounding binge eating, which can lead them to keep their struggles private rather than discussing them with friends or family. This secrecy can make someone feel isolated, as though they are the only person experiencing these patterns, when in reality, many others face similar challenges. However, it’s important to distinguish that eating more at night doesn’t necessarily mean you're binge eating. Binge eating typically involves a feeling of loss of control around food, often accompanied by emotional distress.
When your teen is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s natural to wonder what you could have done differently. Maybe you have your own history with dieting or body image struggles and have worked hard to create a different environment for your children. Maybe you’ve tried to avoid negative body talk, encourage a positive relationship with food, and protect your teen from the messages you grew up hearing. And now, you’re watching your child struggle with something you desperately wanted to help them avoid. As an eating disorder therapist, I want parents to know that your teen’s struggles do not mean you have failed. You can do many things to support your child, but you cannot control every experience, influence, or challenge they encounter.
Everywhere we look these days, it seems like we see another person who has had a weight loss experience. Celebrities, friends, family members, and even recovery role models you have always looked up to. GLP-1s have made weight loss and the consideration of weight loss medication much more present in everyday conversations. It’s no longer just celebrities. You may have first started noticing the trend through social media and celebrity content, but now it has become a lot closer to home. You may be noticing body changes in close friends, coworkers, family members, and other people you see regularly. You can no longer just shut off your phone and turn away from it; these changes and conversations can feel like they are everywhere you go. You may even see changes in recovery role models you never expected to participate in the same weight loss culture you worked so hard to move away from.
