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Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting an estimated 1.25% of adult women and 0.42% of adult men.1
It is possible to treat binge eating disorder, but to help ensure people with this condition get the help they need and deserve, it's important to understand the signs and symptoms.
Binge eating disorder is a mental health condition that manifests as binge eating episodes. These are distinctive periods when a person eats much more than would be considered typical during that period. Binging episodes are also characterized by:9
Feelings of shame or self-disgust often follow these episodes. And many people partake in these episodes alone due to shame or embarrassment around their eating habits.9
Binge episodes of BED are similar to those involved with bulimia nervosa, though, unlike BN, binge eating disorder doesn't involve "compensatory" behavior for binges, such as self-induced purging. Many people with BED do attempt to diet or otherwise restrict their food intake, but in many cases, this leads to future binge eating episodes.11
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If you notice any of these signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder in yourself or others, it may be time to seek out help.
It can be hard to identify providers who are trained and knowledgeable about disordered eating. Medical providers are not always familiar with the nuances of eating disorders. They may inadvertently add to the problem by focusing on measures like BMI or "treatments" like weight loss.
In general, a multidisciplinary team approach is often most helpful. This allows experts from various fields to help address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects deeply involved in BED and other eating disorders.
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.
While many people do gain weight following periods of binge eating, the effect does not happen to everyone. Many people with BED practice intermittent dieting, which may counteract weight gain, and everyone's body and metabolism are completely different.
If you're experiencing the signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder, whether or not you're gaining weight, it's essential to seek out help.
