Binge Eating Disorder is characterised by regular episodes of binge eating. Unlike BN, a person with BED will not use compensatory behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting or over-exercising after binge eating. Many people with Binge Eating Disorder are overweight or obese.
The reasons for developing BED will differ from person to person. Known causes include genetic predisposition and a combination of environmental, social and cultural factors. BED can occur in people of all ages and genders, across all socioeconomic groups, and from any cultural background. Large population studies suggest that equal numbers of males and females experience BED.
Binge eating involves two key features:
A person with BED will repeatedly engage in binge eating episodes where they eat a large amount of food in a short period of time. During these episodes they will feel a loss of control over their eating and may not be able to stop even if they want to.
A person with BED will often have a range of identifiable eating habits. These can include eating very quickly, eating when they are not physically hungry and continuing to eat even when they are full, to the point that they feel uncomfortable.
Feelings of guilt and shame are highly prevalent in people with BED. People with BED often feel guilty or ashamed about the amount, and the way they eat during a binge eating episode. Binge eating often occurs at times of stress, anger, boredom or distress. At such times, binge eating is used as a way to cope with challenging emotions.
Because of their feelings around food, people with BED are often very secretive about their eating habits and choose to eat alone.
Having awareness about BED and its warning signs and symptoms can make a marked difference to the severity and duration of the illness. Seeking help at the first warning sign is much more effective than waiting until the illness is in full swing. If you or someone you know is exhibiting some or a combination of these signs it is vital to seek help and support as soon as possible.
The warning signs of BED can be physical, psychological and behavioural. It is possible for someone with BED to display a combination of these symptoms.
The risks associated with BED are severe. People with BED may experience:
Therapies to be considered for the treatment of BED include:
Antidepressants (SSRIs) can also be used in treating those with BED.
If the person with the eating disorder also presents with symptoms of obesity, this will need to be managed simultaneously using the appropriate treatment.
Find out more about specific treatment approaches.
Yes. It is possible to recover from BED, even if you have been living with the illness for many years.
The path to recovery can be very challenging but it can also shed light on what contributes to binge eating, low self-esteem and negative body image, and how to minimise relapse. Through the process of recovery a person with BED can learn how to replace their unhealthy eating habits with more helpful coping strategies.
With the right team and a high level of personal commitment, recovery is an achievable goal. Treatments for BED are available; seek help from a professional with specialised knowledge in eating disorders.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has BED, it is important to seek help immediately. The earlier you seek help the closer you are to recovery. While your GP may not be a specialist in eating disorders, they are a good ‘first base.’ A GP can provide a referral to a practitioner with specialised knowledge in health, nutrition and eating disorders.
Find help in your local area.
The National Helpline provides free, confidential support for anyone.
Phone 1800 33 4673.
© Commonwealth of Australia
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Eating DisordersSpeaking to someone about your problems can be the first steps to a solution.
