Table of Contents

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

A binge eating disorder is a serious condition in which someone frequently consumes excessive amounts of food (called bingeing) and feels unable to stop eating once they have started. People with binge eating disorders often endorse feeling ‘out of control’ during these moments.

The food choices during a binge episode can often be less nutrient dense, and ones that have historically been forbidden for that person to eat. These eating patterns provide short-term relief from painful emotions but, eventually, the emotions return with more intensity, and binge eating patterns continue.

This disorder is a serious but treatable condition. Episodes of binge eating can significantly and negatively impact your health and well-being, making it especially important to identify the signs and symptoms of binge eating, and to get the help you need to get better.

Signs and Symptoms of a Binge Eating Disorder

People who binge eat often do so in secrecy, hiding their activities because they feel shame or guilt about what they are doing. If you suspect that you or a loved one has fallen into this maladaptive pattern of eating, you should look for some of these signs and symptoms:

  • Eating large amounts of food quickly.
  • Eating alone or eating in secret.
  • Hoarding or hiding food without reason.
  • Feelings of guilt or shame around eating.
  • Dieting continually with no significant change in weight.
  • Dramatic fluctuations in weight gain or loss.
  • Expressing feelings of perfectionism.
  • Expressing feelings of low self-esteem.

If you observe some of these signs or symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you should consider speaking to a health expert to find out more about what is going on, and if it needs to be addressed by a health professional.

What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating affects people of all races and genders, and is caused by a combination of social, psychological, and emotional factors. The desire to binge eat may start as early as childhood and this pattern of eating often runs in families. Studies show that the more people engage in social media, the more likely they are to have increased appetite or the intention to eat, which can lead to binge eating. Additionally, viewing thin-privileged bodies on social media can have a direct impact on how we view ourselves and can influence body image and binge tendencies .

There are inconsistencies in the research as to how dieting and binge eating are related, but strict dieting can certainly worsen symptoms. Some research shows that restricting food intake or following a very restrictive, low-calorie diet may trigger the desire to binge eat. About half of all people with binge eating disorders will binge right before starting a diet.

If you are experiencing significant distress around eating and have had at least one binge eating episode a week for three months or more, it is important for you to take the next step and seek treatment.

How is Binge eating Disorder Treated?

The good news is that people can recover from a binge eating disorder. Therapists work closely with each individual to understand how their unique biological, psychological, and social factors have contributed to their condition. If you have an eating disorder you can expect that your mental health professional will consider several interventions, including medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Nutritional changes, exercise/gentle movement, and stress management have all been found helpful in curtailing binge eating behaviors. Intuitive Eating and I-HAES® (Healthy at Every Size®) modalities are predictive of significantly better psychological and behavioral health in the long term. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which involves combating the ways of thinking that promotes binge eating has also been found to be helpful in stopping these episodes.

Lifestance Health specializes in Binge Eating Disorder treatment with multiple locations in 33 states. Services and available treatments vary by location.

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Who is at risk for Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is more common in women than in men, although people of any gender, race, or age can develop this problem. There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing a binge eating disorder including:

  • Family history – Someone is much more likely to have an eating disorder if their parents or siblings have an eating disorder. Inherited genes and learned behaviors can both increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.
  • If you diet often – Many people with binge eating disorder have a history of frequent dieting, calorie counting, or restrictive eating. These behaviors can trigger the urge to binge eat to relieve stress.
  • Existing psychological issues – Many people who have a binge eating disorder also have negative feelings about themselves including anxiety, depression, perfectionism, rigidity, worthlessness, and poor body image.
  • Existing biological issues – Burning more calories than one takes in can lead to a state of negative energy balance and the strong desire to binge eat. People with type 1 diabetes, especially those who skip insulin injections (which can be deadly), are also more at risk for developing a binge eating disorder.

Complications That Can Occur with Binge Eating Disorder

Psychologically, individuals who suffer from binge eating disorder live with a large amount of guilt. They tend to be ashamed of their impulsive behaviors and often work hard to hide them. This can lead to worsening symptoms of mental health issues — such as depression and anxiety — and can also lead to a complicated and restrictive lifestyle.

Individuals with binge eating disorders tend to isolate themselves so that they can indulge in this behavior freely without the fear of getting caught. This can become a vicious cycle that makes them more isolated, and more prone to this behavior. Friends and loved ones may have trouble understanding the individual’s secrecy and this may drive them away. This cycle of negativity may exacerbate the individual’s guilt and increase their need to indulge more often in binge eating.

Citations

Burrows, K. L., Johnson, W. E., & Harrison, T. A. (2023). Genetic and environmental influences on binge eating disorder: A review of current evidence. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 163, 123-136.

 Davis, M. A., Olsson, T. H., & Miller, R. A. (2022). Prevalence of binge eating disorder among individuals with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 23(4), e13429. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13429 

Definitions & Facts for Binge Eating Disorder (2021, May). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/binge-eating-disorder/definition-facts. 

Seda Avnioglu, Caner Sahin, Seyda Cankaya, Ozkan Ozen, Rumeysa Dikici, Halil Yilmaz, Halil Aziz Velioglu, Burak Yulug, Decreased frontal and orbital volumes and increased cerebellar volumes in patients with anosmia Of Unknown origin: A subtle connection?, Journal of Psychiatric Research, Volume 160, 2023, Pages 86-92, ISSN 0022-3956, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.01.015  

Shapiro, L. B., Hargrove, S. M., & Schofield, E. R. (2023). The influence of social media on body image and disordered eating: A review of literature. Journal of Eating Disorders, 11(1), 45-67. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375576307_Influence_of_Social_Media_on_Eating_Disorders_and_Body_Image 

Stice, E., Davis, K., Miller, N. P., & Marti, C. N. (2008). Fasting increases risk for onset of binge eating and bulimic pathology: a 5-year prospective study. Journal of abnormal psychology, 117(4), 941–946. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013644