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Overview
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder involving repeated episodes of eating an unusually large amount of food while feeling unable to stop or control what or how much you eat. Episodes are often followed by distress, guilt, shame, or embarrassment. Occasional overeating is common and does not necessarily mean someone has a disorder. Binge eating disorder can affect people of any body size.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
- Eating unusually large amounts of food during an episode.
- Eating much more quickly than usual.
- Eating when you are not physically hungry.
- Eating alone or secretly because of embarrassment.
- Feeling unable to stop eating or control the episode (loss of control).
- Feeling guilt, shame, or significant distress after eating.
When symptoms matter
Recurring episodes deserve attention
Occasional overeating does not by itself establish binge eating disorder. Recurring episodes that involve loss of control and distress are a reason to seek a professional assessment, regardless of body size.
Causes
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The exact cause of binge eating disorder is not fully understood. It may develop through an interaction of genetic and brain factors, emotional distress, learned eating patterns, dieting or food restriction, trauma, and cultural or social pressure about food, weight, or appearance. These influences can vary from person to person, and no single factor explains every case.
| Condition or behavior | Key distinction |
|---|---|
| Binge eating disorder | Repeated binge episodes with loss of control and distress, without regular compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise. |
| Bulimia nervosa | Binge episodes are followed by repeated compensatory behaviors intended to prevent weight gain, such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. |
| Occasional overeating | Eating more than intended from time to time does not necessarily involve recurrent loss of control or clinically significant distress. |
| Body dysmorphic disorder | Persistent distress about perceived flaws in appearance, which may occur with or without an eating disorder. |
| Rumination disorder | Repeatedly bringing up and rechewing or spitting out food after eating, rather than eating large amounts during loss-of-control episodes. |
Risk Factors
Risk Factors for Binge Eating Disorder
- A family history of binge eating disorder or other eating disorders may increase risk.
- A personal history of dieting, food restriction, or repeated attempts to control weight may contribute to risk.
- Depression or anxiety can be associated with a higher likelihood of developing the disorder.
- Trauma or ongoing, severe stress may increase vulnerability.
- Low self-esteem or dissatisfaction with body shape or weight may be associated with risk.
- Social or cultural pressure about weight, appearance, or eating may contribute to risk.
Complications
Complications of Binge Eating Disorder
- Depression or anxiety may occur alongside the eating disorder.
- Social isolation may develop because of shame, secrecy, or fear of judgment.
- Quality of life may be reduced by distress and difficulty managing daily activities.
- Sleep problems may occur.
- High blood pressure may develop.
- Abnormal cholesterol levels may occur.
- Type 2 diabetes may develop.
- Other weight-related health problems may occur, although body size alone does not determine whether someone has binge eating disorder.
Health effects
Treatment can reduce the risk of complications
Complications vary from person to person. Treatment can address binge episodes, emotional health, and related medical concerns without relying on restrictive dieting or weight-based judgment.
Diagnosis
How Binge Eating Disorder Is Diagnosed
A mental health professional or medical clinician may ask about eating episodes, loss of control, emotional distress, compensatory behaviors, medical history, medications, and mental health. They may also discuss how symptoms affect daily life and check for related health concerns. There is no single blood test that diagnoses binge eating disorder; diagnosis is based on a clinical evaluation.
Distinguishing binge eating from other conditions
Treatment & Management
Treatment and Management
GUIDED SELF-HELP
Structured self-help materials, often supported by regular check-ins with a trained professional, can help people understand binge eating and practice coping strategies.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based psychotherapy can address loss of control, difficult emotions, thinking patterns, and triggers linked with binge eating.
NUTRITION SUPPORT
A dietitian or other qualified clinician can support regular eating patterns and help reduce cycles of restriction and binge eating without promoting unsafe dieting.
RELATED MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Treatment may also address coexisting depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep problems, or other concerns that affect recovery.
A clinician may consider medication for some adults, depending on symptoms, medical history, other medicines, and treatment goals. Medication is not appropriate for everyone and works best as part of an individualized plan when recommended. Treatment should be monitored for benefits, side effects, and changing needs.
Outlook and Prognosis
Outlook for Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is treatable, and many people improve substantially with appropriate support. Recovery can take time, and symptoms may return during stress or other major life changes. Ongoing care can help identify warning signs early and support renewed progress.
- Seeking care early can make it easier to address symptoms and related concerns.
- A trusting, respectful therapeutic relationship can support engagement in treatment.
- Treating coexisting mental health conditions may improve recovery.
- Regular follow-up can help monitor symptoms, health effects, and changing needs.
- A nonjudgmental support network can reduce isolation and encourage continued care.
Crisis Support
Crisis Support for Binge Eating Disorder
Get immediate help
When a crisis cannot wait
Call local emergency services or go to an emergency department for immediate danger, serious medical symptoms, a suspected overdose, or if you cannot stay safe. If you are in the United States or Canada, call or text 988 where available for crisis support; elsewhere, contact your local crisis service. Thoughts of suicide require urgent help, even if you are unsure whether you would act on them.
Symptoms
1 topic
Binge Eating Disorder
Weight Gain
