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Learn more about the results we get at Within

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What is binge eating disorder (BED)?

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a mental health condition marked by frequent episodes of binge eating, or eating large amounts of food in a short period of time and losing a sense of control over how much is consumed. While the condition was only defined relatively recently, it's already considered the most common eating disorder in the United States.2

Still, despite its widespread nature, there is much for many people to learn about BED, including the official binge eating disorder definition and common signs and symptoms. This can help people more easily recognize the condition in others or themselves.

It's also very possible to treat binge eating disorder, so learning more about care options can be a big help toward finding someone the appropriate type of treatment plan or program.

It's also very possible to treat binge eating disorder, so learning more about care options can be a big help toward finding someone the appropriate type of treatment plan or program.

Within Health offers compassionate, highly-personalized eating disorder treatment programs.

What does that look like?

Last updated on 
February 29, 2024
February 29, 2024
What is binge eating disorder?
In this article

What is binge eating disorder? 

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the U.S. The definition of binge eating disorder was only recently added to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the record of all officially recognized mental health conditions, first appearing in the DSM 5, the latest version of the manual.

Binge eating disorder in the DSM 5 is described as a condition involving recurring binge eating episodes, which are marked by:3

  • Eating within a short period of time (usually considered two hours) an amount of food larger than most people would consume during that time
  • Losing a sense of control over how much or what is eaten

The meaning of binge eating is also explained in the DSM 5. To be considered a "binge eating" episode, these experiences should be characterized by at least three of the following:3

  • Eating until uncomfortably full
  • Eating much more rapidly than normal
  • Eating alone due to embarrassment over eating behavior
  • Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt
  • Eating large amounts of food despite not feeling physically hungry

According to the DSM 5, the definition of binge eating disorder also involves how frequently these episodes occur. Binge eating at least one day per week for three consecutive months is where the behavior starts to be considered part of an official diagnosis.3

woman looking in a refrigerator

Diagnosing binge eating disorder

To be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, someone must meet the above binge eating disorder criteria as defined in the DSM 5.

The process generally involves consultations with a primary care physician and/or a therapist or eating disorder specialist. These medical professionals will conduct various tests to both confirm any adverse effects eating behavior may be having on someone's physical health and to rule out other similar or related illnesses.4

Specifically, a medical exam for BED may also include:1
  • A physical exam
  • Blood and urine tests
  • A consultation with a sleep disorder center

A specific mental health exam will also often be conducted to evaluate whether someone's thoughts and feelings are in line with those commonly involved with a binge eating disorder definition.4 As long as the person is forthcoming with their condition, in most situations, a mental health professional can accurately assess for BED with a brief interview.

If you or your loved one are struggling with BED or other eating disorders, obtaining a diagnosis is often one of the first steps toward enrolling in an appropriate treatment program. Once medical professionals have examined you or your loved one, they should have a better idea about how the condition is manifesting in your life and offer recommendations on the best course of care.

BED treatment that comes to you
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Binge eating disorder: signs & symptoms

The official binge eating disorder definition may be relatively new, but doctors and researchers have been tracking the effects of this condition for many years.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder include:5,7
  • Eating in secret or eating alone
  • Hiding food or evidence of eating (e.g., stashing food wrappers)
  • Weight fluctuations (usually presenting as weight gain)
  • Feelings of shame and guilt
  • Low self-esteem
  • Frequent dieting
  • Eating in response to emotional stress
  • Fixation on food, eating, or body image
  • Frequent, specific, and intense cravings for certain foods

Related disorders

As with nearly all eating disorders, BED frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions. Usually, these issues evolve together and work to maintain one another in a vicious cycle.

Feelings like guilt, shame, disgust, and embarrassment are a part of the binge eating disorder definition itself, but these unpleasant emotions can also drive or be associated with various other mood disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders, which frequently co-occur with BED.6

Specifically, many overlapping behaviors and biological factors have been found between binge eating disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which is a type of anxiety disorder.6 Substance use disorders, especially alcohol use disorder, have also been associated with BED.6

Nearly all eating disorders have been associated with chronic low self-esteem, with one formative study even concluding that this condition was a prerequisite for developing any kind of disordered eating behaviors.8

Common conditions with BED graphic

Effects of binge eating disorder

Unfortunately, untreated binge eating disorder can result in a litany of negative consequences, impacting someone's physical, mental, and emotional health.

Some of the most common mental health complications of binge eating disorder include:7

  • Worsening depression, anxiety, or body dysmorphia (distorted perception of a specific body part or feature)
  • Antisocial behavior, including lying, avoidance, and secrecy
  • Increasingly erratic behavior, including hoarding and even stealing food
  • Increasing distress, self-loathing, or danger of self-harm

Physically, BED can also lead to complications, including:7

  • Gallstones
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Kidney disease
woman sitting on dock

Treatment of binge eating disorder

Once again, although binge eating disorder has only recently been defined, there have already been several studies conducted on the condition, showing the effectiveness of specific treatments. And thankfully, many types of care have shown promise.

When treating binge eating disorders, a holistic approach—focusing on mental, physical, and emotional health—is often the recommended course of treatment. 

Therapies for binge eating disorder

Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) is the leading form of care for most eating disorders, including binge eating disorder. Some common types of therapy used to treat BED and other eating disorders include:1

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Nutrition therapy/mindful eating
Group therapies
Interpersonal psychotherapy
Dialectical behavior therapy

Medications for binge eating disorder

In some cases, medication may also be recommended as a way to curb the urge to binge eat.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), a stimulant used to treat moderate-to-severe binge eating disorders in adults, is the first FDA-approved medication for this purpose.9 Vyvanse can be habit-forming and misused, but the medication is generally safe and effective when used as directed. Its most common side effects are dry mouth and insomnia.9

Doctors may also recommend other types of medications to help alleviate symptoms related to BED or commonly co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression.

Medication for BED or any other medical disorder should only be taken on a doctor's recommendation, and these prescriptions are assigned on a case-by-case basis. Never take a medication that is not specifically prescribed for you.

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Finding treatment for binge eating disorder 

If you or a loved one are struggling with binge eating disorder, it's important to seek out help. This condition can lead to many complications if left untreated.

Consulting your primary care physician, therapist, or other medical professionals is a great way to start. They can write you an official BED diagnosis or help you determine your next best steps.

Treatment that comes to you

At Within Health, we also strive to help. We understand that everyone has a different body shape and size that deserves care and love regardless of the number on the scale or their specific challenges around food. That's why we utilize a team of multi-disciplinary experts to help craft customized treatment plans that consider your particular history and needs.

Get help today
binge eating patient percentage chart

If you or a loved one are looking for binge eating disorder treatment or healing for another eating disorder, we are here to help. Call our admissions team now to build a healthy relationship with food.

BED treatment that comes to you

Call for a consultation

866-293-0041

Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.

Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.

Resources

  1. Binge Eating Disorder - Diagnosis and Treatment. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Accessed December 2023.
  2. Definition & Facts for Binge Eating Disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed December 2023. 
  3. Berkman, N. D., Brownley, K. A., Peat, C. M., et al. (2015). DSM-IV and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for binge-eating disorder. Comparative Effectiveness Reviews, 160. 
  4. Eating Disorders. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Accessed December 2023.
  5. Binge Eating Disorder - Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Accessed December 2023.
  6. Binge Eating Disorder. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed December 2023.
  7. Binge eating disorder. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Accessed December 2023.
  8. Silverstone, P. H. (1992). Is chronic low self-esteem the cause of eating disorders? Medical Hypothesis, 39(4), 311-315.
  9. Fala, L. (2016). Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate): First FDA-Approved Drug for the Treatment of Adults with Binge-Eating Disorder. American Health & Drug Benefits, 7(9).

FAQs

Is binge eating disorder the same as bulimia?

No. BED and bulimia nervosa are two distinctive disorders. While they both involve episodes of binge eating, people struggling with bulimia nervosa utilize unhelpful compensatory behaviors to "make up for" those episodes, while people with BED do not.

Should a person with binge eating disorder go on a diet to lose weight?

No. The word “diet” should not be used when discussing treatment for those with BED or any eating disorder. Instead, specialists will develop a nutritional plan that establishes a more positive attitude about the need to eat and solid nutritional support. 

Further reading

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Do I have binge eating disorder?

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Signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder

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BED of low frequency and/or limited duration

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What is binge eating disorder (BED)?

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Someone who is struggling with binge eating disorder experiences recurring...