Body Image, Binge Eating and Body Dysmorphia

Many children of narcissists have a complex relationship with food which may come in the form of binge eating. Men and women can both be affected.

Binge eating can be defined as episodes of overly excessive and rapid eating in a short period of time which are accompanied by a sense of a lack of control. This results in distress. There can be feelings of pleasure initially and then these devolve into mostly negative emotions. People may eat until they feel uncomfortably full, they may eat when they are not hungry, they may eat in secret through embarrassment and to hide their behaviour from others. They may feel disgusted with themselves, depressed or guilty after eating.

Around 30% of women with bulimia and 20-25% of those who binge eat met the criteria for PTSD.

Studies show that women and men with trauma and PTSD have higher rates of eating disorders than the general population.

Narcissistic parents are incredibly critical and the excessive and often relentless criticism from the narcissistic parent regarding body shape, eating habits and bodily changes throughout puberty can have serious consequences for the way their children feel about and relate to their bodies. The excessive criticism emanates from the extreme envy and jealousy and the desire to control which comes with NPD.

The lack of support in a narcissistic family can result in their children not being confident, resilient or self-assured. Children of narcissists may place a lot of emphasis on what others think of their physical appearance (and of them in general). Other’s views are seen as more important than their own.

Body Image and Binge Eating

https://childrenofnarcissists.org.uk/...

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