Episode 6 : How Loneliness Drives Binge Eating

In this episode of Beneath the Binge, somatic practitioner Alex Bottomley invites listeners to ground in what physically supports their body, then explore loneliness as a felt sense of disconnection that can show up as collapse, fogginess, or an empty “void” often sensed in the belly.

From her personal experience and client work, she describe how early differences, shame, and losses can shape a nervous system “map” of belonging, and how chronic loneliness activates threat circuits similar to physical pain, increasing cortisol and disrupting dopamine, making binge eating more likely especially with low emotional regulation.

Food can become a predictable substitute for co-regulation, and recovery involves grief, being emotionally met, and building safe connection. Alex offers practices to notice connection/disconnection, recall supportive beings/places, and hold a soft object to the affected body area.

If you are looking for more community and support, Alex is hosting a group retreat to Portugal in July for women who are struggling with binge eating and haven’t yet been with others through this journey.

For more information, visit www.thefoodfreedomtherapist.com or @thefoodfreedomtherapist.