Switzerland's hidden struggle with binge-eating disorder exposed

**For roughly three percent of Switzerland's population, food is an outlet for stress, comfort, and exhaustion. They suffer from binge-eating disorder—often unnoticed. Because their uncontrollable binges aren't visible to others, and because shame, prejudice, and misunderstanding make open conversation difficult.** Yet just how widespread the issue is became clear after the recent *Puls* broadcast **"Nutrition and the Psyche"**: In the accompanying **expert chat**, we received a striking number of questions and messages from people—men and women of all ages—describing binge episodes, shame, and loss of control.

**One Sufferer Shares How She Fell Into Binge Eating**

*"I honestly thought my issues with food were behind me. For years, I'd struggled with anorexia, but eventually, I felt like I'd made it—I could eat normally again, even go out with friends without panic. Then, a few years later, everything changed. Not all at once, but gradually. At first, it was just too much sometimes. Then I couldn't stop anymore. I don't even know how to describe it. It isn't hunger. It's more like an inner pressure, a wave. I can feel it building for hours. And I know exactly what's coming—but I can't stop it. Once it starts, it's like a tunnel. I eat until I'm sick, until I can barely breathe. And the whole time, I'm thinking: *Stop. Now. Just stop.* But I can't. It's as if part of me has shut down. Afterward comes the shame. I try to hide it—the wrappers, the evidence. I pretend everything's normal. But inside, I feel empty and overwhelmed. My partner notices something's wrong, of course. He wants to help, but I won't let him. I don't want him to see me like this—so weak, so broken. The crazy thing is, I know exactly what's happening. I've been in therapy; I understand the mechanisms. But knowledge doesn't help when you're in the middle of it. It's as if my body takes over, and my mind just watches. I'm back in treatment now. This time, it's less about control and more about understanding. My therapist talks a lot about self-compassion—which I found almost absurd at first. **Rehmann S.O.S. – Sick of Silence** How am I supposed to have compassion for myself when I'm destroying myself? But slowly, *very* slowly, I'm starting to get it. It's not about being perfect; it's about stopping the punishment when it happens again. Sometimes, I manage an evening where I just eat—no plan, no counting, no drama. These are small moments, but they feel new. Calmer. A little more like myself."* *—Name known to the editorial team*

**What Is Binge-Eating Disorder?**

• Binge-eating disorder is the most common eating disorder among adults, affecting roughly **2 to 3 percent** of the population—compared to about **1 percent** for bulimia and **0.3 percent** for anorexia.
• It is characterized by **recurrent episodes of uncontrollable binge eating**, usually without physical hunger.
• Unlike bulimia, it does **not** involve purging or excessive exercise, and episodes are followed by intense **shame and loss of control**.
• According to the **Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)**, an estimated **250,000 people** in Switzerland are affected.
• A Swiss study covering all linguistic regions and surveying around **10,000 individuals** found that **2.4 percent of women** and **0.7 percent of men** suffer from binge-eating disorder.

**Expert Interview: Breaking the Cycle**

*"Eating isn't a failure—it's an attempt to impose order on chaos,"* says psychiatrist **Dr. Patrick Pasi** of **University Hospital Zurich**. He explains what happens in the body and brain during a binge—and how to break the cycle. **[Read the full interview here.]**

**Where to Find Help**

If you are affected by binge eating, shame, or disordered eating behaviors, support is available from: **Eating Disorders Association (AES)** – addresses and counseling centers. **General practitioner / psychotherapist** – first point of contact for diagnosis and treatment. **Helpline 143 (The Samaritans)** – free, anonymous, 24/7 support. **Pro Mente Sana** – counseling and information.