What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Lots of us find comfort in food. And most people will sometimes eat much more than they normally do on special occasions.
But someone with binge eating disorder has a different relationship with food. They feel like they've lost all control over how much they eat, and they can't stop, even when uncomfortably full. They also binge at least once a week for several months.
For people with binge eating disorder, food may offer feelings of calm or comfort, or stop them from feeling upset. But after a binge, it can have the opposite effect, causing anxiety, guilt, and distress. Many people who binge eat are overweight. But those at a healthy weight can also have a binge eating disorder.
Signs & Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eaters usually are unhappy about their weight and many feel depressed. Recognizing the signs early can help your child get the support they need.
Behavioral Signs
- • Eat a lot of food quickly — consuming large amounts in a short time
- • Hide food containers or wrappers — in their room or other places
- • Have big changes in their weight — up or down
- • Skip meals — then overeat later
- • Eat at unusual times — like late at night
- • Eat alone — to avoid judgment or embarrassment
- • Have a history of eating in response to emotional stress — like family conflict, peer rejection, or school problems
- • Feel shame or guilt after eating
- • Eat until uncomfortably full
- • Eat when not physically hungry
- • Feel out of control during eating
Emotional Signs
People who binge might have feelings that are common in other eating disorders, such as:
- • Depression — feeling sad, hopeless, or worthless
- • Anxiety — feeling worried or on edge
- • Shame and guilt — about their eating behaviors
- • Low self-esteem — feeling bad about themselves
- • Disgust with their body — negative body image
- • Feeling numb — using food to cope with emotions
Physical Signs
- • Weight fluctuations
- • Stomach discomfort or pain after eating
- • Feeling bloated or overly full
- • Fatigue or low energy
- • Difficulty sleeping
- • Health problems related to weight (if overweight)
How Is Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosed?
A doctor or mental health professional can diagnose binge eating disorder. They'll ask about eating habits and how the child feels about their eating, weight, and body image.
Diagnostic Criteria
For a diagnosis of binge eating disorder, a person must have:
- • Recurrent episodes of binge eating (eating large amounts in a short time)
- • Feelings of loss of control during binges
- • Binge episodes occurring at least once a week for 3 months
- • Significant distress about the binge eating
- • No regular use of compensatory behaviors (like purging or excessive exercise)
How Is Binge Eating Disorder Treated?
Treatment for binge eating disorder may include therapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medication. The goal is to help the person develop a healthy relationship with food and address underlying emotional issues.
Therapy
Different types of therapy can help:
- • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors
- • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — teaches emotional regulation and coping skills
- • Family therapy — involves family members in treatment
- • Interpersonal therapy — addresses relationship issues that may contribute
Nutritional Counseling
- • Work with a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders
- • Develop a healthy eating plan
- • Learn about nutrition and balanced eating
- • Address food fears and restrictions
- • Establish regular meal patterns
Medication
In some cases, medication may be recommended, especially if there's co-occurring depression or anxiety. This should always be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider.
Importance of Early Treatment
It can be hard for someone who binge eats to reach out for help because they're ashamed of overeating or of being overweight. Many teens don't get treatment for binge eating until they're older. But getting help early makes a person more likely to avoid health problems related to weight gain and develop healthier coping strategies.
How Can Parents Help?
If your child might have a problem with binge eating, call your doctor for advice. The doctor can recommend mental health professionals who have experience treating eating disorders in kids and teens.
Support and Communication
- • Reassure your child that you're there to help — or just to listen
- • Be non-judgmental — avoid shaming or blaming
- • Listen without trying to fix — sometimes they just need to be heard
- • Encourage open communication — let them know they can talk to you
- • Validate their feelings — their emotions are real and valid
Model Healthy Behaviors
- • Encourage healthier eating habits by being a good role model
- • Model a healthy relationship with food and exercise
- • Don't use food as a reward — or punishment
- • Avoid diet talk — focus on health, not weight
- • Practice mindful eating yourself
- • Show that all foods can fit in a balanced diet
Strategies to Reduce Binge Episodes
Don't Skip Meals
- • Set a regular meal and snack schedule
- • People are more likely to overeat if they get too hungry
- • Ensure breakfast, lunch, and dinner are regular
- • Include planned snacks between meals
Practice Mindful Eating
- • Encourage your child to pay attention to what they eat
- • Notice when they feel full
- • Eat slowly and savor food
- • Remove distractions during meals (TV, phones)
- • Check in with hunger and fullness cues
Identify Triggers
- • Help your child avoid or manage things that trigger binge eating
- • Healthier ways to manage stress include: music, art, dance, writing, or talking to a friend
- • Yoga, meditation, or taking a couple of deep breaths can help your child relax
- • Work on developing alternative coping strategies
- • Address underlying emotional issues
Be Active as a Family
- • Regular exercise can feel good and help your child manage weight
- • Focus on enjoyment, not punishment
- • Make it a family activity
- • Choose activities your child enjoys
- • Avoid using exercise as a way to "make up for" eating
Resources and Support
You can find support and more information online at:
- • The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) — provides resources, support, and information about eating disorders
- • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) — offers support and resources for mental health conditions
- • Local support groups — ask your healthcare provider for recommendations
- • Eating disorder specialists — therapists and dietitians who specialize in treating eating disorders
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is binge eating disorder the same as overeating?
A: No. While everyone overeats occasionally, binge eating disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short time, feeling out of control, and significant distress. It's not just about overeating — it's about the loss of control and emotional distress associated with the behavior.
Q: Can you have binge eating disorder if you're not overweight?
A: Yes. While many people with binge eating disorder are overweight, those at a healthy weight can also have the disorder. Binge eating disorder is about the eating behavior and emotional distress, not just body weight. The disorder can affect people of all sizes.
Q: What causes binge eating disorder?
A: The exact cause is unknown, but several factors may contribute:
- • Genetic factors
- • Biological factors (brain chemistry)
- • Psychological factors (depression, anxiety, low self-esteem)
- • Environmental factors (dieting, stress, trauma)
- • Social factors (pressure to be thin, bullying)
Q: How do I talk to my child about binge eating without making them feel worse?
A: Approach the conversation with compassion and care:
- • Choose a private, comfortable setting
- • Use "I" statements ("I've noticed...") rather than accusations
- • Express concern and love
- • Avoid shaming or blaming language
- • Focus on their feelings, not just their behavior
- • Offer to help them find professional support
- • Let them know they're not alone
Q: Can binge eating disorder be cured?
A: With proper treatment, many people with binge eating disorder can recover and develop a healthy relationship with food. Recovery is possible, but it often requires ongoing support and may involve setbacks. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment (therapy, nutritional counseling, and support) offer the best outcomes.
Q: Should I restrict my child's access to food?
A: No. Restricting food can actually make binge eating worse by creating feelings of deprivation and intensifying cravings. Instead, work with a professional to develop a healthy eating plan that includes regular meals and snacks. The goal is to normalize eating patterns, not restrict food. A registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders can help create an appropriate meal plan.
Key Takeaways
Support is Key
Be non-judgmental and offer support, not criticism
Professional Help
Early treatment offers the best outcomes
Recovery is Possible
With proper treatment, recovery is achievable
⚠️ Important Note
This article provides general information and is not intended to replace professional medical or mental health advice. Binge eating disorder is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. If you suspect your child has binge eating disorder, please consult with your child's doctor, a mental health professional, or an eating disorder specialist. Early intervention and appropriate treatment are crucial for recovery.