What is Binge Eating Disorder?
- Emily F, Vanessa H, Pelin I, Tara L & Norma R
- Apr 6
- 5 min read
by Emily Fisico, Vanessa Hook, Pelin Inanc Ayus, Tara Lacelle & Norma Viviana Ramirez de Arellano Montiel
Have you ever found yourself eating uncontrollably, even when you're not hungry, and still wanting more? Many people struggle with it—maybe even someone you know. If this description sounds familiar, let’s discuss what Binge Eating Disorder (BED) really is. In this post, we’ll explain what it is, how it affects your life, and what the symptoms are. We’ll also look at who is most at risk, how it works in the brain, and which treatment options are available. We’ll end with a call to action to help you get the support you need.
Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
If you’ve ever felt out of control with food, you’re not alone. It’s important to recognize these patterns without self-judgment. The American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5-TR defines binge eating disorder as eating large amounts of food in a short time, even when you're not hungry. During these occurrences, individuals feel unable to control what or how much they eat (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). According to the American Psychiatric Association, a person needs to show at least three signs to be diagnosed with a binge eating disorder (2022). I know you're curious about the signs, but don’t worry—we’ll break them down next.
Examples of Symptoms
We all overeat at times; however, binge eating disorder (BED) involves regular episodes of overeating (binging) in a short amount of time (2 hours) and feeling out of control, guilty, and remorseful. It involves feelings of distress after the binge (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Eating a lot of food within a 2-hour time frame
Feeling like you can't stop eating even if you want to
Eating very fast
Eating until you feel uncomfortably full
Eating a lot even when you aren't hungry
Eating alone because you feel embarrassed
Feeling guilty, disgusted, or sad after eating
If these behaviours happen at least once a week for 3 months, it could be a binge-eating disorder (APA, 2022).
How Does Binge Eating Affect Your Life?
It’s not just about what you eat—it’s about how you feel when you eat. Instead of thinking, “I have no self-control,” try asking, “Why am I eating right now? Am I actually hungry?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that binge eating can harm both physical and mental health, and over time, it can lead to serious problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart issues, sleep problems, and digestive issues related to changes in weight (2024). According to the NIMH (2024), people with eating disorders are more likely to experience mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, or substance use problems; they also state that they are at a higher risk of thinking about or attempting suicide.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase your risk of developing BED, and these can vary from emotional struggles to life circumstances. Emotional issues like stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem can drive you to use food as a coping mechanism, creating a cycle of binge eating and guilt. Strict dieting or food restriction often leads to an increased urge to binge, as your body reacts to deprivation by craving more food. A family history of eating disorders can also raise your likelihood of developing BED, as genetics and family dynamics may contribute to unhealthy relationships with food. Social pressures and body image issues, including those shaped by social media or peers, can make you more vulnerable to binge eating to cope with dissatisfaction about your appearance. Significant life changes, stress, and traumatic experiences, like bullying or a breakup, can also trigger the onset of BED. (American Psychiatric Association, 2022; National Eating Disorders Association [NEDA], n.d.; National Eating Disorder Information Centre [NEDIC], n.d.).
Neural Basis
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are connected to how the brain handles emotions, self-control, and rewards. They found some important areas in the brain that are involved:
The Prefrontal Cortex – This brain area plays a crucial role in decision-making, self-control, and planning. In individuals with eating disorders, its function may become impaired, which can result in impulsive behaviours, such as binge eating, or in extreme self-discipline, like severe food restriction.
The Amygdala – It is a threat detector and is active when you are stressed. In this case, feeling stressed can lead to overeating to cope with the threat. Many individuals with eating disorders experience heightened anxiety that may stem from an overactive amygdala.
The Striatum and Dopamine System – This region seeks rewards, like food. If it is overactive, it can lead to binge eating; if it is under-active, it can lead to food restriction. When it comes to eating disorders, the reward system associated with food can be working on overdrive, leading to binge eating or being too weak, which may cause individuals to avoid food altogether.
The Hypothalamus – This region is key in managing hunger and feelings of fullness. If this area isn’t working, your brain might not know when you are full, leading to eating more, or it might think you are full too early, leading to not eating enough.
Treatment Options
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it can feel overwhelming. But the good news is, there are effective treatments that can help! Here are some of the best options:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – helps you identify and change negative thoughts about food, weight, and body image. It also teaches you coping skills to manage stress without turning to food for control (APA, 2022).
Nutritional Counseling – A dietitian or nutritionist can help you learn how to nourish your body and build a healthy relationship with food. The goal is to find balance and feel good, not just to eat more or less (APA, 2022).
Medication (for Some Cases) – Some medications, like antidepressants, can help if you struggle with anxiety, depression, or obsessive thoughts about food. They don’t solve eating disorders, but they can help make therapy more effective (APA, 2022).
Support Groups & Family Therapy – Eating disorders can impact family relationships. Getting support from loved ones and connecting with others with similar experiences can make a big difference (APA, 2022).
Mindfulness & Stress Management – Techniques like meditation, journaling, and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, which often relate to eating disorders. Finding healthy ways to cope with emotions can help decrease disordered eating behaviours (APA, 2022).
Closing
Binge eating is not only eating too much, but can also be a real mental health disorder that alters various parts of your mind, in addition to your body. It is definitely nothing to be ashamed of; once you understand the symptoms and risk factors, you can find ways to deal with this. You are not alone in your progress, and don't think that you are not going to get through this because (good news!) BED is treatable, and there are many tools that you can use to get through this. Many people struggle with this condition so don’t be scared and reach out for help. Small steps can make the biggest difference!
Call-to-Action
If you know an individual who is struggling with a binge eating disorder (BED), there is a website called the National Eating Disorder Information Center (NEDIC) that offers that support. Make a call to 1-866-NEDIC-20 or 416-340-4156, email nedic@uhn.ca, or access their live chat that is open daily for a certain amount of hours. Help break the stigma of binge editing disorders. Comment down below with your best tips for mindful eating.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Feeding and eating disorders. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5-TR (5th edition, text revision). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
National Eating Disorders Association. (n.d.). Binge eating disorder. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bed
National Eating Disorders Association. (n.d.). Binge eating disorder. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/risk-factors/
National Eating Disorder Information Centre. (n.d.). Binge eating disorder. https://nedic.ca/eating-disorders-treatment/binge-eating-disorder/
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Eating disorders. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders
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