Understanding Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder and is characterised by recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control and intense distress. Unlike bulimia nervosa, people with BED do not regularly engage in compensatory behaviours such as purging or excessive exercise after a binge.

BED affects people of all genders, ages, and body sizes. It is often misunderstood, as individuals with BED may appear to have a “normal” or higher body weight, leading to misdiagnosis or lack of support.

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating episodes typically involve:

• Eating much more rapidly than normal
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
• Eating alone due to embarrassment
• Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty afterward

To meet diagnostic criteria, these behaviours must occur at least once a week for three months or more and cause significant distress or functional impairment.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Repeated episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short time
• Feelings of shame, guilt, or disgust after eating
• Eating in secret or hiding food
• Difficulty stopping eating even when full
• Frequent dieting without weight loss
• Low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction
• Fluctuations in weight
• Emotional eating in response to stress, anxiety, or boredom
  

Physical and Psychological Risks

BED can contribute to both physical and emotional health problems, especially if left untreated. These may include:

• Weight gain or obesity
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Depression, anxiety, and social isolation
• Reduced quality of life and self-worth

BED is not simply about willpower or overeating. It is a recognised medical and psychological condition with a complex set of causes.

Causes and Risk Factors

BED can result from a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Common contributors may include:

• Chronic dieting or restrictive eating
• Emotional distress, trauma, or abuse
• Depression or anxiety
• Body image dissatisfaction
• Family history of eating disorders
• Low self-esteem and poor coping mechanisms
• Weight stigma and societal pressure
  

Treatment and Recovery

Binge Eating Disorder is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support. Treatment options include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
• Nutritional guidance with a registered dietitian
• Medication (where appropriate, under medical supervision)
• Group support or peer-led recovery communities

Treatment focuses on breaking the binge-restrict cycle, addressing emotional triggers, and improving one’s relationship with food and body image.

Supporting Someone With BED

• Avoid judgement or diet-related comments
• Offer empathy and listen without trying to “fix” them
• Encourage professional support from a GP, therapist, or specialist
• Educate yourself to better understand their experience
• Reinforce that they are not alone and that recovery is possible
  

Helpful Resources

• BEAT Eating Disorders (UK) – www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
• NHS Eating Disorder Services – www.nhs.uk
• Mind UK – www.mind.org.uk
• First Steps ED – www.firststepsed.co.uk
  

Sources

BEAT. (2024). Binge Eating Disorder – Information and Support. Retrieved from: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
NHS. (2023). Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk
NICE. (2020). Eating disorders: recognition and treatment (NG69). Retrieved from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng69
Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348–358.