What Is Binge Eating Disorder? Explore Causes & Treatments

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a behavioral disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating. People with this condition eat large quantities of food in a small amount of time, typically within 1-2 hours. The binge eating is accompanied by feelings of being unable to stop and self-loathing.

An occasional episode of overeating is normal; however, people with binge eating disorder experience chronic, compulsive overeating, which may occur several times a week. As a result, this may affect physical and mental health.

How Common is BED Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder, accounting for nearly half of all eating disorders diagnosed by healthcare providers in the U.S., affecting about 2.8 million people. Adolescents and adult women are more likely to develop binge eating disorder (BED), though it can affect individuals of both genders and across all age groups.

Binge eating disorder can occur in people of average weight but is more common in people who are overweight or obese, especially those with severe obesity. However, not everyone with obesity develops binge eating behavior.

Binge eating disorder is also more common in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Experts believe the constant focus on food and weight control may be the reason for this correlation. Notably, some people develop diabetes because of weight gain and metabolic disturbances that result from a binge eating disorder.

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

The two key symptoms of binge eating disorder are:

Eating unusually large amounts of food in short periods of time, typically within 2 hours.
Feeling like you can’t control how much you eat or stop eating.

Other signs and symptoms of binge eating behaviors may include:

Eating quickly and failing to recognize feelings of fullness.
Eating past the point of feeling satisfied and to the point of feeling uncomfortably full.
Eating again after a recent meal or eating even when you’re not physically hungry.
Arranging your schedule around binge eating sessions.
Hoarding food or hiding stashes of food to access during a binge eating episode.
Dieting frequently, leading to weight fluctuations, or inability to lose weight.

Emotional and Behavioral Characteristics

Emotional and behavioral binge eating disorder symptoms may include:

Eating in response to emotional stress (non-hungry eating).
Eating in secret or hiding binge eating episodes from others due to embarrassment.
Feelings of disgust, self-loathing, depression, or guilt after you overeat.
Thinking about food obsessively or having specific food cravings.

Differences Between Binge Eating Disorder and Other Eating Disorders

People with an eating disorder called bulimia nervosa (also called “bulimia”) also eat large amounts of food at a time. This, however, is followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors where they try to purge the food from their bodies and prevent weight gain. These behaviors can include self-induced vomiting, laxative use, fasting, or exercising excessively.

People with an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa (also simply called “anorexia”) have an unusual fear of gaining weight. Many people with anorexia feel they are overweight even when they are not. To lose weight or prevent weight gain, they restrict food intake and limit both the amount and type of food they eat. These extreme efforts to control weight and body shape cause health problems.

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Common Causes of Binge Eating Disorder

There is no single cause for binge eating disorder. Many factors influence disordered eating patterns, including both genetic and environmental factors. Scientists believe that dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters involved in regulating pleasure and reward, along with dysregulation of the brain’s natural reward system, play a role in compulsive eating behaviors.

Genetic and Environmental Influences

As noted, binge eating disorder and other eating disorders occur due to a combination of factors, including biological, psychiatric, and learned habits. Triggers can vary from person to person. For example, in one person binge eating may develop due to their cultural and social environment that places undue emphasis on body weight and shape. In another person, binge eating may be an escape from uncomfortable emotions and feelings. In yet another person, strict dieting and restricting calories may trigger binge eating episodes during setbacks.

Genetics also plays a role. People with a family history of eating disorders are more likely to develop these conditions themselves.

Who is at Risk of Developing Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder affects people of all ages, genders, and racial and ethnic groups. However, some people are at a higher risk of developing binge eating disorder, such as those with:

A family history of:
- Eating disorders
- Dysfunctional emotional regulation
- Other mental health conditions
A personal history of:
- Abuse or trauma
- Food insecurity
- Mood disorders such as depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- Substance use disorder (SUD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Executive dysfunction (disruption in the ability to manage one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors)

Immediate Health Risks

Overeating during binge eating episodes may result in symptoms such as:

Bloating
Gas
Abdominal discomfort
Acid reflux
Sluggishness
Drowsiness
Excessive Sweating

Long-Term Health Consequences

It is important to have a binge eating disorder treated because it can lead to a range of health problems.

Physical Health Risks of BED

Weight gain and obesity
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (a chronic condition characterized by high blood glucose levels)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
Metabolic syndrome
Heart disease
Fatty liver disease
Gallbladder disease
Kidney disease
Osteoarthritis
Menstrual irregularities
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea

Psychological Consequences of BED

Binge eating disorder treatment is necessary to prevent mental health consequences such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Body dysmorphia (spending a lot of time worrying about flaws in your appearance)
Low self-esteem
Self-loathing and distress
Risk of self-harm and suicidality

Quality of Life: What Is It Like Living With A Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder can impact your quality of life due to behaviors such as:

Hoarding and hiding food
Stealing food
Secrecy and lying to loved ones
Antisocial behavior

These behaviors can impact all aspects of your life, including work, relationships, friendships, and more.

How is Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers diagnose binge eating disorders based on guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) from American Psychiatric Association Publishing. The main criteria for diagnosing binge eating disorders are:

Eating an unusually large amount of food in one session (typically 1-2 hours), more than what most people would eat
Uncomfortable feelings of compulsion or lack of control in regard to binge eating.
Binge eating episodes occurring at least once a week and ongoing for at least 3 months
Feelings of self-loathing or distress due to binge eating

Treatment Methods

Counseling and Psychotherapies

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the main way of treating BED. It can be offered as individual therapy (one-on-one sessions) or group therapy for people with eating disorders. Some of the psychotherapies used to treat binge eating disorder include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps you identify negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and replace them with positive ones. You work with a therapist to break out of unhealthy thinking patterns and learn healthy coping mechanisms. CBT-E (enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy) is an individualized treatment based on your specific circumstances and preferences.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT is a type of short-term talk therapy that addresses the social and interpersonal conflicts in the context of which an eating disorder may have developed. This type of therapy does not delve into childhood issues but rather focuses on current issues with a problem-solving approach.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of psychotherapy where you learn emotional regulation skills. It can be particularly effective in people with binge eating disorder stemming from strict dieting or overvaluing weight and body shape.
Psychodynamic therapy: This is a type of psychotherapy that helps you understand how your past experiences shape your current emotions, feelings, and behaviors. By creating awareness of your unconscious mind, it can help you understand yourself better and make long-term changes.

Role of Medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) as the first medication specifically indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. This medicine is commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research has shown it also helps with impulse control in people with binge eating disorder.

Binge eating disorder may also be treated with other medications, such as antidepressant medications and anti-anxiety drugs.

In addition, doctors sometimes offer appetite suppressants for short-term treatment of BED and other weight disorders.

Keep in mind that medications are only a part of the comprehensive treatment approach for BED. Medications are effective at suppressing appetite and impulsive eating, but the long-term success of this condition requires a combination of medications and psychotherapy to address the problem at its root.

Support Groups and Resources For Recovery

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
The Eating Disorder Foundation
Beat Eating Disorders
National Alliance for Eating Disorders
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
Project Heal (links to various support groups)
International Journal of Eating Disorders (research and clinical practice of eating disorders)

Self-Help Strategies

Binge eating disorder is a serious mental illness, and it’s important to get professional help. Alongside prescribed treatment, the following self-care measures can help you develop and stick with healthy eating habits and maintain a healthy weight:

Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Mental health problems such as binge eating disorder rarely resolve without treatment and may worsen over time, contributing to serious physical and emotional complications.
Avoid dieting for weight loss. Dieting can lead to unhealthy weight fluctuations and trigger a binge eating episode during a setback. Stay with your doctor’s eating plan and focus on healthy eating habits rather than food restriction.
Eat regularly (ideally every 2-3 hours). This can prevent hunger and restrict-and-binge cycles.
Plan your meals ahead of time to prevent binge eating. Avoid keeping trigger foods in your pantry, if possible. Have a plan in place for what you’re going to do if you have an urge to binge eat.
Work with a licensed dietitian or nutritionist to develop a healthy eating plan. Many people with binge eating disorder binge on the wrong kinds of foods and have nutritional deficiencies. Talk to your healthcare provider about the need to take dietary supplements.
Stay connected with loved ones. Binge eating disorders and other mental health problems can be isolating. It’s important to surround yourself with people who are supportive and caring.
Stay active. In addition to focusing on healthy eating, get regular exercise. Talk to your healthcare provider about an exercise routine that is suitable for you.

Coping Mechanisms: How Do You Stop The Urge To Binge Eat?

The following tips can help you cope if you are living with BED or other eating disorders.

Identify triggers that cause binge eating and develop an action plan to manage them. For example, you might talk to a trusted friend or relative or go for a walk to distract your mind when you feel the urge to binge eat.
Associate with people in real life who are positive role models. Remember, actors, models, and social media influencers don’t represent realistic weights and body shapes.
Engage in healthy activities, such as yoga, meditation, or fun hobbies to keep your mind occupied and avoid obsessing about food and eating.
Journal. Writing down your feelings and behaviors in a journal can help you understand yourself better, identify triggers, and become aware of how they affect you.
Join online support groups to reduce feelings of isolation and shame. There are thousands of people going through similar problems and you can learn and share with them.
Be kind to yourself. Overcoming a serious condition such as binge eating disorder involves intense feelings and takes a great deal of courage. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Stick to the treatment plan and find communities where you feel supported.

FAQ About Binge Eating

What Are Trigger Foods For Binge Eating?

The most common trigger foods for binge eating are sugary foods and beverages, salty snacks, and foods with unhealthy fats. This includes cakes, cookies, chips, fried foods, and sodas, which can lead to rapid gains in body weight.

How Many Calories Are In A Binge?

Studies have found that while an average meal consists of approximately 850 calories, individuals with binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa may consume between 3,000 to 4,500 calories during a single binge episode.