Binge Eating

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder in which people frequently consume unusually large amounts of food and feel unable to stop eating. BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress, or guilt after the binge; and not regularly using unhealthy measures (e.g., purging) to counter the binge eating. BED is a severe and life-threatening eating disorder. People with BED often experience functional impairment, an increased risk of suicide, and a high frequency of co-occurring psychiatric disorders. People with binge eating disorder are usually very upset by their binge eating and may experience stress, trouble sleeping, and depression. Binge eating disorder may lead to weight gain and to related health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.

BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It affects 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and up to 1.6% of adolescents. Among women, BED is most common in early adulthood, while among men it is most common in midlife. People with obesity are at a higher risk for developing BED than people of normal weight. Although most people with obesity do not have BED, most people who have the disorder are obese.People of normal weight can also have BED.

Like other eating disorders, BED can be treated with a combination of psychological support and counseling, family support, and lifestyle changes.

The cause of BED is unknown. Like other eating disorders, BED probably results from a combination of genetic, psychological, emotional, social, and other factors. BED has been linked to depression and anxiety, and painful childhood experiences such as family problems and critical comments about shape, weight, or eating may also make some people more likely to develop the disorder.

Reach out to a doctor or counselor if you regularly eat large amounts of food and feel unable to stop, or feel shame or distress around eating. Binge eating disorder is treatable, and support helps.