Binge-Eating Disorder

Binge-eating disorder is a condition where people eat very large amounts of food, and lose control over eating.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Eating very large amounts of food in a short time

• Eating quickly during binge episodes

• Eating when not hungry

• Eating until feeling uncomfortably full

• Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment

• Feeling upset, ashamed, or guilty after eating

• Frequent dieting, sometimes without weight loss

Treatment recommendations

 

Treatment may include:

• Psychotherapy as the first-line treatment
• Medication
• Nutrition and eating-pattern support
• Treatment of co-occurring conditions
• Medical monitoring

The first goal of treatment is to reduce binge episodes and help normalize eating patterns.

 

When to seek urgent help:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Severe depression
• Rapid health decline
• Purging behaviors or other eating-related concerns

Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

 

Resources

• MedlinePlus – Eating Disorders
• National Institute of Mental Health – Eating disorders