1. Binge Eating Is A Form Of Eating Disorder

It’s important to recognize that binge eating is an eating disorder. In fact, it’s the most common eating disorder in the United States, impacting an estimated 2.8 million people. Recognizing and seeking help for binge eating can be a difficult process, as the defining characteristics vary quite a bit from more well-known disorders.

2. Binge Eating Is NOT The Same as Bulimia

Binge eating shares characteristics with Bulimia Nervosa, but it is not the same. Both disorders involve consuming a large quantity of food in a short period of time, driven by feelings of a lack of control. The largest difference is that with bulimia, people feel compelled to purge afterwards, using unhealthy methods to expel the food. With binge eating, no compensatory actions are taken following the binge.

3. Binge Eating Is More Than “Overeating”

Most people overindulge at least once in their lives. But a binge eating disorder is characterized by more than just eating too much once in a while. When people binge eat, they eat larger than usual amounts of food while feeling unable to stop. The signs of binge eating disorder can include:

• Lack of control over eating habits
• Eating much more food than normal in a short period of time
• Eating even if not hungry
• Eating very quickly
• Eating until you’re uncomfortably full
• Hiding when you eat
• Feelings of disgust, shame, guilt or depression surrounding eating habits
• Hiding or hoarding food
• Weight Fluctuations

4. Binge Eating Is Often Caused By Emotional Triggers

Binge eating isn’t caused simply by feelings of excessive hunger. Instead, it is driven by underlying emotional, psychological and biological factors. A combination of these things can lead to disordered eating:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Addiction
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Trauma
• Food Insecurity
• Genetics
• Brain Chemistry

The exact cause can be a combination of factors, but ultimately is a manifestation of using food to feel a sense of control.

5. Binge Eating Can’t Be Stopped By Willpower Alone

There isn’t a quick fix for binge eating disorder – it isn’t as simple as just deciding to stop overeating. To effectively treat binge eating, the underlying causes that drive the impulse must be addressed.

6. Binge Eating Isn’t Always About Food/Weight

While binge eating revolves around food and can indeed impact weight, these things are not the central focus of the disorder. A person who has fallen into a cycle of severe binge eating may have genetic predispositions, a history of food insecurity, and/or be dealing with a variety of mental health conditions. Binging is often brought on by a need for control, channeling feelings of stress and anxiety into compulsive eating. Since weight is not the main motivating factor, people with binge eating disorder do not attempt to remove the food from their body after a binge. In fact, binge eaters can struggle with weight gain and obesity. This can cause more insecurity and amplify the disorder, but it is not the main motivation.

7. Binge Eating Is Part Of A Cycle

Part of what makes binge eating disorder so hard to stop on your own is that it becomes its own vicious cycle. Binge eating and other compulsive behaviors are so often caused by extreme stress, anxiety or other negative emotions. The act of binging provides a temporary reprieve, but afterwards, people tend to feel shame and guilt about their actions, feeding into existing emotional turmoil.

8. Binge Eating Is Often Kept Secret

Binge eating disorder can be hard to recognize, even to those closest to you. Binge eaters often eat normally around others and hide their unusual habits to avoid questions or concern. This may look like:

• Eating in private
• Hiding food in secret stash locations
• Hiding evidence (burying wrappers in the trash, for example)
• Lying about food consumption
• Self-isolating
• Over-exercising

9. Binge Eating Can Impact Long-Term Health

Binge eating disorder can create lasting health issues if not addressed, both mentally and physically. Consuming a large amount of food on a regular basis can lead to:

• Weight gain and obesity
• Digestive issues
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes
• Fatty liver disease
• Sleep apnea
• Mobility issues
• Low self-esteem
• Worsening anxiety and depression

10. Binge Eating Recovery Is Possible

Recovery from binge eating disorder can feel overwhelming, but it is absolutely possible. Once trapped in a cycle of binging followed by guilt and shame, it’s easy to feel very alone – but you’re not. In fact, statistics reported by the National Eating Disorder Association indicate that a staggering 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. With the right treatment, the majority of people are able to recover, but you can’t do it by yourself. Recognizing there’s a problem is a huge first step. Even the small step of telling a close friend or family member that you’re struggling is a move in the right direction. Having a trusted support system can help encourage healthy changes, including seeking out professional resources.