Binge eating disorder is a mental health condition in which a person regularly eats a large amount of food in a short time and feels unable to stop or control what they are eating. Episodes are usually followed by shame, guilt or low mood. It occurs in people of every body size, and appears to be more common than the other eating disorders.
Key points
- Binge eating disorder is a mental health condition in which a person repeatedly eats a large amount of food in a short time while unable to stop.
- What separates it from ordinary overeating is not the amount of food, but the loss of control, the distress afterwards and the pattern over time.
- It occurs in people of every body size, and appears to be more common than the other eating disorders.
- NICE recommends binge-eating-disorder-focused guided self-help first for adults, then group and then individual eating-disorder-focused CBT.
- NICE advises against dieting during treatment, because it is likely to trigger binge eating, and says weight loss is not a therapy target.
Symptoms
- Eating a large amount of food in a short time, faster than usual, with a sense of loss of control; eating when not hungry, until uncomfortably full.
- Guilt, shame or low mood afterwards; restricting eating or setting strict food rules, which often leads to further episodes.
Causes and risk factors
- Dieting and food restriction, producing hunger and a sense of deprivation that can lead to binge eating.
- A family history of eating disorders, depression or substance misuse; strong concern about body weight or shape; anxiety or low self-esteem.
- Not caused by greed or weak willpower; describing it that way increases the secrecy that keeps it going.
Treatment
- Binge-eating-disorder-focused guided self-help, first line for adults, typically 4 to 9 sessions of brief practitioner support.
- Group eating-disorder-focused CBT if guided self-help is unacceptable or ineffective, then individual CBT-ED.
- NICE advises against trying to lose weight during treatment, because dieting is likely to trigger binge eating.
When to speak to a professional
- Episodes with a sense of loss of control have happened regularly for several weeks.
- You feel distressed or ashamed after eating, and it is affecting work, study or relationships.
If you need help now: Samaritans, call 116 123, free, 24/7. Shout, text SHOUT to 85258. NHS 111, then choose the mental health option. Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger.