Binge eating disorder (BED) is a condition that causes people to experience recurring episodes of uncontrolled eating. During a binge, the person typically does not stop eating until they feel uncomfortably full. People with BED find the binges to be soothing at the time, but later feel extreme guilt and sadness over their loss of control.

BED may be confused with another common eating disorder called bulimia nervosa. However, BED differs from bulimia nervosa in that it is not associated with purging behaviors (e.g., self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives) or extreme exercise to avoid weight gain. 

BED causes many physical and psychological problems for patients. Obesity and depression are both strongly correlated with the disorder, although in both cases it is unclear whether these symptoms are the source of BED or a result of it. Patients with BED also tend to withdraw socially, as embarrassment over their condition causes them to eat at home in private.

Binge eating affects women more often than men. It often begins in a person’s late adolescence or early 20s. The exact cause of binge eating remains unclear. Experts believe it results from a combination of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors. Like other eating disorders, binge eating is closely associated with self-perceptions regarding body weight, appearance and body shape.

In some cases, people who binge eat are so good at hiding their condition that they may show few symptoms, if any. Even close friends and family may be unaware of the binges. Nonetheless, their condition may be diagnosed when they visit a physician regarding a related medical disorder, such as obesity, high blood pressure or depression. If the primary care physician suspects binge eating disorder, the patient will likely be referred to a mental health professional.

Early intervention is a key to success in treating binge eating. Patients who have BED learn to redefine their relationship with food in treatment. Binge eating is typically treated through psychotherapy. Weight loss is often an important part of treatment as well.