Hi everyone,
I’m posting on behalf of a close friend who’s really struggling right now. She’s been battling Binge Eating Disorder (BED) for years, the kind where it’s not just “overeating” but a horrible, shame-fuelled cycle that leaves her exhausted, tearful and hating herself afterwards. It’s heartbreaking to see someone you care about stuck in that loop.
She’s tried therapy, different medications, and the usual “eat mindfully / find your triggers” advice, but nothing seems to help for long. I recently joined a weight loss programme called shemed and they put me on wegovy (a WLD). She said she wanted to get on them too (she has a higher BMI then me) and asked if she'd be allowed. I remember filling up a form where they asked me about eating disorders.
So my question is basically, Does anyone know if GLP-1s can actually be prescribed for BED here in the UK? Has anyone’s GP or specialist been open to it, or is it strictly off-label and difficult to access ?
I’m torn because I just want her to get relief, she’s so kind and brilliant, but this illness has taken over her life. I can see how it’s chipped away at her confidence, her social life, even her ability to enjoy being a mum.
I know meds aren’t a magic fix, but if there’s something that could quiet that relentless urge to binge, even a little, it feels like it’s worth asking about.
Sending love to anyone else dealing with BED: It’s such a lonely illness, but you’re not alone.