Binge Eating: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Binge eating is a psychological disorder marked by episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food in a short time. People may also have trouble stopping even after they feel full.

The exact cause of binge eating is still unknown. However, it may be linked to very restrictive dieting, a family history of binge eating, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.

Binge eating is treatable. Treatment can include therapy, nutrition counseling, regular physical activity, and in some cases, medication prescribed by a doctor.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of binge eating are:

• Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time;

• Eating much faster than usual;

• Feeling guilt, remorse, or shame after eating;

• Eating to the point of feeling uncomfortably full;

• Difficulty stopping even after feeling full;

• Eating large quantities of food even when not hungry;

• Eating alone or in secret.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), people with binge eating disorder often feel a loss of control over their eating and are frequently overweight or have obesity. They may also experience other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

Confirming a diagnosis

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), to determine whether you have binge eating disorder, you should talk with a mental health specialist who focuses on eating disorders and will review your symptoms and eating patterns.

To confirm a binge eating disorder diagnosis, a healthcare provider may order tests like blood or urine tests. They may also use questionnaires, such as the Binge Eating Scale, along with a structured clinical interview for eating disorders.

Possible causes

The exact cause of binge eating is still unknown. However, studies show that people with this condition may overeat as a way to cope with emotions such as anger, sadness, anxiety, and stress.

Other factors that also appear to be related to this condition include:

• Family history of binge eating;

• Anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem;

• Changes in the gut microbiome;

• Perfectionism;

• Restrictive dieting;

• Family concern about weight and eating problems;

• Family conflict.

Binge eating is also associated with alcohol use disorder, illicit drug use, and experiences of physical or sexual abuse.

Treatment options

Treatment for binge eating should be managed by a multidisciplinary team, which may include an endocrinologist, psychologist, registered dietitian, and nurse.

Treatment options for binge eating include:

1. Therapy

Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy, can help a person change patterns of behavior and thinking.

It can also help someone address and resolve current or past personal conflicts.

2. Medications

Medications for binge eating should be used only as directed by a healthcare provider. Depending on the person, a provider may recommend appetite-control medications, antidepressants, and/or anticonvulsants, such as lisdexamfetamine, fluoxetine, and topiramate.

The dose and type of medication vary by individual, depending on factors like weight, symptoms, and age. Medications should always be used alongside therapy, nutrition counseling, and physical activity.

3. Diet

A registered dietitian can guide dietary changes by creating a healthy, varied eating plan tailored to your needs.

For excess weight, they may also recommend a reduced-calorie approach.

4. Physical activity

Regular physical activity at least 3 times per week is important for treating binge eating. It can help ease anxiety, support overall well-being, and improve mood by shifting focus away from food.

Physical activity can also support weight loss in people who are overweight or have obesity.