Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder that happens when you eat large amounts of food in a short period of time and feel that you are unable to stop eating. When you have an episode of binge eating at least once a week for three months or more, you may have binge eating disorder. It is the most common type of eating disorder in the U.S.
UPMC experts provide comprehensive treatment for binge eating disorder and various other types of eating disorders. Our multidisciplinary team will work with you to address both the physical and psychological aspects of eating disorders, promoting recovery, long-term health, and overall well-being.
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What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder that occurs when you consume large amounts of food in a short period and feel unable to stop eating. If you experience an episode of binge eating at least once a week for three months or longer, you may have binge eating disorder.
How common is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is the most common type of eating disorder in the U.S. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 1.25% of adult women, 0.42% of adult men, and 1.6% of teens aged 13 to 18 have binge eating disorder.
What causes binge eating disorder?
Experts aren’t sure what causes binge eating disorder, but believe it could be linked to:
- Changes in brain chemicals.
- Depression, stress, or anxiety.
- Family history of eating disorders.
- Unhealthy food-related behaviors, such as extreme dieting.
Binge eating disorder risk factors
You may be at higher risk of developing binge eating disorder if you:
- Are obese.
- Are younger, as the condition is more common between the teen years and middle age.
- Have a family history of eating disorders.
- Have diabetes.
Complications of binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder can lead to complications including:
- Diabetes.
- Gallbladder disease.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Joint pain.
- Menstrual problems in women.
- Obesity.
How can I prevent binge eating disorder?
You may not be able to prevent binge eating disorder. However, eating a healthy diet, exercising, maintaining a healthy body weight, and taking care of your mental and emotional well-being may reduce your risk of developing binge eating disorder.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder?
People with binge eating disorder are often overweight or obese. However, some people with binge eating disorder have no history of being overweight.
Symptoms of binge eating disorder include recurrent episodes of binge eating, along with:
- A sense of losing control over when, what, or how much you eat.
- Increased levels of distress regarding weight, shape, and eating.
- Feelings of disgust, embarrassment, or guilt related to overeating.
Binge eating is not usually associated with behaviors to get rid of weight, food, or calories, including:
- Excessive exercise.
- Fasting, or not eating for a long period.
- Purging, which refers to throwing up or using laxatives to get rid of calories after eating.
Psychiatric symptoms of binge eating disorder
Psychiatric symptoms of binge eating disorder include:
- Anxiety.
- Impulsivity.
- Mood swings.
- Personality difficulties related to perfectionism.
- Substance use problems.
- Trouble coping with intense emotions.
What are the signs of binge eating disorder?
Common signs of binge eating disorder include:
- A long history of dieting.
- Eating alone.
- Eating large amounts of food when you are not feeling physically hungry.
- Eating much faster than normal.
- Eating until you feel uncomfortably full.
When should I see a doctor about my binge eating disorder symptoms?
If you have symptoms of binge eating disorder that occur at least once a week for three months, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
How Do You Diagnose Binge Eating Disorder?
To diagnose binge eating disorder, your doctor will ask about your symptoms. They'll also perform a physical exam and ask questions about your mental health.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects binge eating disorder, they will:
- Ask about your mental health.
- Ask about your symptoms.
- Perform a physical exam.
- Review your health history and medications.
Criteria for diagnosing binge eating disorder
Your doctor will use specific criteria to diagnose binge eating disorder, including:
- Repeated episodes of binge eating accompanied by feelings of loss of control over eating.
- Episodes that occur at least one day per week for three months or more and include three or more of the following:
- Eating much faster than normal.
- Eating until you feel uncomfortably full.
- Eating large amounts of food when you are not feeling physically hungry.
- Eating alone because of embarrassment about overeating.
- Feeling disgusted, depressed, or very guilty after overeating.
Binge eating disorder prognosis
Binge eating disorder is a treatable condition. With psychological counseling and nutrition support, most people with binge eating disorder recover and live a normal life.
How Do You Treat Binge Eating Disorder?
The goals of binge eating disorder treatment are to stop binge eating, achieve and maintain a healthy weight, address mental health challenges, and manage binge eating triggers.
Treatment options may include:
Psychological counseling for binge eating disorder
Also known as talk therapy, psychological counseling can help you understand why you binge eat and learn how to use healthy strategies to manage binge eating triggers.
Nutrition counseling for binge eating disorder
Nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian can teach you how to plan healthy meals and snacks that help you manage your weight while providing your body with the fuel it needs.
Medication for binge eating disorder
If you have anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition that is triggering your binge eating disorder, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-obesity medications to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Why Choose UPMC for Binge Eating Disorder Care?
When you choose UPMC for binge eating disorder care, you will receive:
- Access to eating disorder expertise — Our eating disorder experts treat the full spectrum of conditions using the latest, evidence-based treatment guidelines and strategies.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer psychiatric care and nutritional support that allows us to effectively treat all types of eating disorders while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with mental health professionals, registered dietitians, primary care providers, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
