Binge Eating Disorder

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder is a mental health condition involving repeated episodes of binge eating. During a binge episode, a person eats an unusually large amount of food in a relatively short period of time (often within about 2 hours) and feels like they cannot control how much they are eating. A person with Binge Eating Disorder may also:

• Eat much faster than usual

• Eat until they feel uncomfortably full

• Eat large amounts of food even when they are not physically hungry

• Prefer to eat alone or in secret because they feel embarrassed

• Feel ashamed, guilty, disgusted, sad or distressed after eating

Not everyone with Binge Eating Disorder experiences all of these symptoms. What matters is the repeated pattern of binge eating, loss of control, and emotional distress. Binge Eating Disorder is also different from bulimia nervosa (BN). People with Binge Eating Disorder do not regularly use behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise to compensate for binge episodes

How common is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder and affects people of different ages, genders, body sizes, and backgrounds. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 1.2% of U.S. adults experience Binge Eating Disorder in a given year, while about 2.8% experience it at some point in their lifetime. Importantly, you cannot tell whether someone has Binge Eating Disorder based on their body size or weight. Eating disorders can occur in people at any weight. 

Is Binge Eating Disorder treatable?

Yes. Recovery is possible! Treatment can help people understand the patterns that contribute to binge eating, develop healthier ways of coping with difficult emotions, and build more consistent eating habits. A healthcare professional may also recommend medication for some people with Binge Eating Disorder. Medication decisions depend on a person's individual symptoms, health history, and other medications, so they should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider. Treatment may also include nutritional counseling and medical or psychiatric care when appropriate. 

Evidence-based treatments can include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help people recognize and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors related to eating, emotions, and self-esteem. It may also include learning to monitor eating patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): IPT focuses on relationships and communication. Treatment may explore how relationship difficulties, conflict, grief, loneliness, or changes in social roles may contribute to binge eating.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT teaches skills for managing difficult emotions and urges. It may focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. 

Where can I find more information on Binge Eating Disorder?

For reliable information and support:

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — Eating Disorders

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) — Binge Eating Disorder

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) — BED Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

• Alliance for Eating Disorders

The bottom line: 

Binge Eating Disorder is common, serious, and treatable. Binge Eating Disorder is not simply a lack of willpower or a failure to control food choices. It is a mental health condition, and people experiencing it deserve compassionate, evidence-based care. With appropriate support and treatment, recovery is possible.

Author: Audrey Harbott

Edited by: Alyssa Herman