Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

What is binge eating disorder?

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious mental health condition characterised by regularly eating large quantities of food in a short period of time while feeling a loss of control. Unlike bulimia, binge eating is not typically followed by purging.

How common is binge eating disorder?

BED is the most common eating disorder, affecting around 1 in 50 people in the UK. It affects both men and women and can occur at any age but often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Is binge eating disorder serious?

Yes. BED can lead to significant physical health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, as well as emotional problems like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

When and how to get help with binge eating disorder

If you frequently experience episodes of uncontrolled eating, distress around eating habits, or concerns about your mental health, seek help from a healthcare professional. Early intervention improves outcomes.

How to know if you have binge eating disorder

• Regular episodes of eating large quantities of food rapidly
• Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
• Eating when not physically hungry
• Feeling out of control during eating episodes
• Feeling shame, guilt, or disgust after eating

Typical signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder

• Weight fluctuations or obesity
• Depression or anxiety
• Feelings of being out of control and needing to regain control through eating
• Isolation and withdrawal from social activities
• Low self-esteem

Complications of untreated binge eating disorder

• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Gallbladder disease
• Mental health disorders

What causes binge eating disorder?

• Genetic predisposition
• Psychological factors (e.g., depression, anxiety)
• Emotional trauma or stressful life events
• Chronic dieting and restrictive eating
• Societal pressure regarding body image

Risk factors for developing binge eating disorder

• Family history of eating disorders
• History of dieting or weight stigma
• Childhood trauma
• Mental health conditions

Is binge eating disorder hereditary or lifestyle-based?

It can be both. Genetics, environmental influences, and personal experiences all play a role.

How is binge eating disorder diagnosed?

A healthcare provider or mental health specialist will use clinical interviews and criteria from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to diagnose BED.

Tests and assessments used to identify binge eating disorder

• Clinical interviews
• Standardised questionnaires (e.g., Eating Disorder Examination)
• Medical assessments to identify complications

Medical treatment for binge eating disorder

• Psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Medications for underlying conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety)
• Weight management support if appropriate

Therapies and interventions for binge eating disorder

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness-based interventions

Do medications help with binge eating disorder?

Medications such as antidepressants may be used alongside therapy to help manage symptoms.

Lifestyle changes to manage binge eating disorder

• Establish regular eating patterns
• Practise mindful eating
• Develop healthy coping strategies for emotional stress
• Avoid restrictive dieting

Home remedies and self-help for binge eating disorder

• Keeping a food and mood diary
• Joining support groups
• Building emotional resilience through therapy or journaling

When should you get medical help for binge eating disorder?

• If binge eating episodes occur weekly
• If eating habits cause distress or interfere with daily life
• If physical health complications develop

Binge eating disorder in children

Early signs should be addressed sensitively with family-based support and professional help.

Binge eating disorder during pregnancy

BED during pregnancy can pose risks to both mother and baby; specialist support is recommended.

Binge eating disorder in older adults

Can be linked to loneliness, bereavement, psychiatric illness or chronic illness; tailored interventions are necessary.

Can you prevent binge eating disorder?

While not all cases can be prevented, promoting a healthy relationship with food and addressing emotional wellbeing early can reduce risk.

Tips to reduce your risk of binge eating disorder

• Encourage body positivity
• Avoid restrictive diets
• Manage emotional stress constructively
• Foster open communication about emotions and food

Living with binge eating disorder

Recovery is possible with the right support. Focus is on developing healthy coping mechanisms, building self-esteem, and maintaining balanced eating patterns.

How to manage binge eating disorder in the long term

• Continued therapy and support
• Regular health check-ups
• Ongoing focus on emotional wellbeing
• Building strong support networks

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire alongside other independently validated medical information about you and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.