17652 Binge Eating Disorder

Overview

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious but treatable condition. People with BED regularly eat very large amounts of food in a short time, often feeling out of control during these episodes. After a binge, they may feel guilt, shame, or distress, but they do not regularly use unhealthy ways like vomiting or laxatives to get rid of the food.

Yes. Binge eating disorder is considered the most common eating disorder worldwide, affecting more people than anorexia and bulimia combined.

It can affect anyone at any age, but it often begins in the late teens or early twenties. It affects both women and men, although slightly more women are diagnosed.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Eating much more food than normal in a short period, such as within 2 hours
• Feeling unable to stop eating or control how much you eat
• Eating much faster than usual during a binge
• Eating when not hungry
• Eating alone or hiding food because of shame
• Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after eating

Symptoms in children

• Eating meals quickly and then looking for more food
• Sneaking or hoarding food
• Finding wrappers or empty containers hidden in a child's room
• Signs of low self-esteem or sadness related to eating

Symptoms in older adults

• Eating alone because of embarrassment
• Weight gain or changes in blood sugar that may mask the eating problem
• Showing distress around meal times

Causes

Main causes

• A combination of genetic, biological, and psychological factors
• Low self-esteem or negative thoughts about body image
• A history of dieting or strict restrictive eating
• Emotional stress, such as loss, abuse, or bullying

Risk factors

• A close family member with an eating disorder or mental health condition
• Personal history of anxiety, depression, or substance misuse
• Being a perfectionist or having impulsivity
• Traumatic life events, especially in childhood

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, seek help without delay.
• If you feel unable to control your eating and are in immediate distress, contact a healthcare provider on the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you regularly feel that you are losing control around food, make an appointment with your general practitioner (GP).
• If family or friends are concerned about your eating habits, or you find yourself hiding food or eating in secret, it's important to talk to a doctor.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your eating habits, your feelings around food, and how these behaviors affect your life. They may also ask about your medical history and mental health. There is no single test for binge eating disorder, but a doctor can make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and patterns of binge eating.

Tests that may be done

• A physical examination, including checking weight, blood pressure, and other vital signs
• A discussion of your eating habits and any attempts to control weight
• Sometimes blood tests to rule out other conditions that could affect appetite or weight

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask questions in a friendly, straightforward way. It may help to keep a food diary before your visit, noting when you binge, what you eat, and how you feel. This can help you and your doctor understand the pattern and talk about the next steps.

Treatment

Treatment for binge eating disorder focuses on helping you regain control around food and address the emotional issues behind bingeing. Support usually involves talking therapies, practical guidance on eating patterns, and ongoing encouragement.

Self-care at home

• Try to eat regular, balanced meals instead of skipping meals or crash dieting.
• Keep a notebook to write down your feelings and triggers for bingeing.
• Find non-food ways to cope with stress, such as walking, listening to music, or talking to a friend.
• Be gentle with yourself – recovery takes time.

Medical treatments

Talking therapies, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are commonly used and can be very effective. In some cases, a specialist doctor may consider medication to help reduce binge urges or manage related conditions such as depression. Any medication would be discussed with you in detail, and the dose and type would be chosen carefully by your healthcare team.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a first-line treatment for binge eating disorder. Weight-loss surgery may be considered for some people who have severe obesity in addition to binge eating disorder, but this is only after a thorough assessment and always alongside psychological support.

Living with this condition

Living with binge eating disorder can be challenging, but small steps make a difference. Try to create a regular meal routine, eat at a table when possible, and avoid having trigger foods around at first. Remind yourself that one binge does not erase your progress – every meal is a chance to start fresh.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active with gentle activities you enjoy, like walking, yoga, or gardening.
• Get enough sleep, as tiredness can increase cravings for high-calorie foods.
• Build a support network of people you trust, such as friends, family, or a support group.
• Limit time on social media if it makes you feel bad about your body.

Diet and exercise

Aim for a balanced diet with a variety of foods. Avoid strict diets that ban certain foods – these often trigger bingeing. Instead, focus on eating at regular times and including protein, fibre, and enough food to keep you satisfied. Gentle physical activity like walking or swimming can help your mood and overall health, but don't exercise to 'earn' food or burn off a binge.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Binge eating disorder often goes hand in hand with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Feelings of guilt and shame are common, but these feelings are part of the condition, not a sign of weakness. Getting help for your mental health is just as important as addressing your eating patterns.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent binge eating disorder, but building a healthy relationship with food and body image early in life can lower the risk. Avoid dieting in extreme ways, encourage open conversations about food and weight, and seek help early if you notice worrying patterns in yourself or a loved one.

Complications

If left untreated

• Weight gain and obesity, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems
• Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem
• Digestive problems, including bloating, pain, and an irregular stomach
• Sleep problems and fatigue
• Worsening social isolation and decreased quality of life

Long-term outlook

The outlook for binge eating disorder is very positive. With the right support, many people recover completely, and others learn to manage their symptoms well. Recovery may take time and setbacks happen, but every step you take to understand your eating is a step towards a healthier, fuller life. You are not alone, and help is available.

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