Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting millions of adults and adolescents. Unlike occasional overeating, BED is a serious mental health condition characterized by frequent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short time, often accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt and loss of control.

People searching for “why do I binge eat and how do I stop?”, “what are the warning signs of BED?”, and “health risks of binge eating disorder” are often looking for information to understand their struggles or help a loved one. This page explores the signs, causes, risk factors and health effects of BED to help you better understand this disorder and the importance of seeking professional support.

What Is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?

Binge eating disorder is a complex condition that goes beyond simply eating too much. Individuals with BED experience recurrent episodes of binge eating, where they consume a large amount of food in a short period while feeling out of control. Unlike bulimia, people with BED do not engage in compensatory behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise or fasting after a binge.

Many people struggling with BED feel stuck in a cycle of restrictive eating, binge eating and guilt, leading to emotional distress and physical health concerns.

How Common Is BED?

  • BED affects about 3% of the U.S. population and is more common than anorexia and bulimia combined.
  • While it affects people of all ages, it often develops in adolescence or early adulthood but can persist throughout life.
  • BED impacts individuals of all body types, not just those in higher weight categories.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) Diagnostic Criteria

According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), BED is diagnosed when an individual experiences:

  • Frequent binge eating episodes (at least once a week for three months)
  • Lack of control during these episodes
  • Binge eating episodes include at least three of the following:
    • Eating much more rapidly than normal
    • Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
    • Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
    • Eating alone due to embarrassment
    • Feeling disgusted, guilty or depressed after eating

If these behaviors are causing distress and interfering with daily life, professional help is strongly recommended.

Common Signs and Symptoms of BED

People often wonder “Do I have BED?” or “What are the signs of binge eating disorder?”. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward understanding this condition.

Behavioral Signs:

  • Frequently eating large amounts of food in a short time
  • Feeling unable to stop eating, even when full
  • Secretive eating, such as hiding food or eating alone
  • Attempting to restrict food intake, only to binge later

Emotional Signs:

  • Feeling shame, guilt or disgust after eating
  • Using food to cope with stress, anxiety or depression
  • Experiencing frequent mood swings related to eating habits

Physical Signs:

  • Weight fluctuations due to cycles of restriction and bingeing
  • Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation or acid reflux
  • Feeling tired or sluggish after a binge

What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?

People searching “why do I binge eat?” or “what triggers binge eating?” often want to understand the underlying causes of BED. The disorder is influenced by multiple factors, including:

1. Psychological and Emotional Factors

  • Anxiety and depression – Many individuals with BED struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions.
  • Emotional trauma – Past trauma, stress or unresolved emotions can lead to binge eating as a coping mechanism.
  • Low self-esteem – Negative body image and self-criticism often contribute to disordered eating patterns.

2. Dieting and Restriction

  • Strict dieting or food rules can increase the likelihood of binge eating.
  • Skipping meals or extreme calorie restriction can trigger an uncontrollable urge to eat large amounts of food later.

3. Genetic and Biological Factors

  • Some research suggests that genetics play a role in BED, meaning it may run in families.
  • Imbalances in brain chemicals related to hunger and satiety can contribute to binge eating behaviors.

Health Risks and Consequences of BED

When left untreated, BED can have serious mental and physical health effects, leading people to search for “what happens if binge eating goes untreated?” or “long-term effects of binge eating disorder.”

Physical Health Risks:

  • Obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes
  • Gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Increased risk of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea

Mental and Emotional Health Risks:

  • Higher risk of depression and anxiety disorders
  • Feelings of hopelessness and social withdrawal
  • Compromised self-esteem and body image issues

Binge Eating Disorder in Adults vs. Adolescents

BED in Adults

Many adults with BED have struggled with years of dieting, emotional eating and body dissatisfaction. Stress from work, family responsibilities and social expectations can also contribute to binge eating patterns.

BED in Adolescents

Adolescents with BED may show signs of emotional distress, poor self-esteem and secretive eating behaviors. Early intervention is crucial in preventing long-term struggles with disordered eating.

When to Seek Help for Binge Eating Disorder

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of BED, it’s important to reach out for professional support. Seeking treatment can:

  • Help regulate eating patterns and reduce binge eating episodes
  • Address underlying emotional and psychological triggers
  • Improve overall mental and physical well-being

Many people wonder “Can BED go away on its own?” While some individuals may experience periods of reduced bingeing, BED typically requires treatment to address both the behaviors and the underlying causes.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

If you are struggling with binge eating in Paoli, PA or Exton, PA, know that you are not alone. Learning more about binge eating disorder is the first step in taking control of your health. Seeking professional support can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and yourself.