Video Transcription
Hi, I’m Sarah Cox, a clinical psychologist and the manager of the Butterfly National Helpline.
I’m here to talk about Binge Eating Disorder – what it is, the warning signs and risks, and how to get help.
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder is a serious and potentially life-threatening mental illness where someone experiences regular episodes of eating an excessive amount of food during a short period.
During these binge eating episodes, it can feel chaotic, uncontrollable, and highly distressing. It is more than overeating – someone with Binge Eating Disorder may not be hungry but feels an intense drive to continue eating past the point of feeling comfortably full. They usually binge eat alone or in secret and experience intense feelings of guilt, shame, disgust, and low mood afterwards.
Binge Eating Disorder is different from Bulimia because a person will not engage in compensatory behaviours, like vomiting or excessive exercise, after a binging episode.
What are the warning signs and risks?
Binge Eating Disorder does not discriminate – people of any age, weight, size, shape, gender identity, sexuality, cultural background or socioeconomic group can experience the illness.
There’s no single cause – it often arises from a combination of genetic, psychological, and cultural factors. Signs can vary widely, and many people try to hide their behaviour. Common signs include:
- Physical signs: Rapid changes in weight, bloating, constipation, food intolerances, and fatigue.
- Psychological signs: Preoccupation with food, body shape and weight, low self-esteem, feelings of shame or guilt after eating, extreme body dissatisfaction, and distorted body image.
- Behavioural signs: Hoarding or hiding food, eating in private, avoiding meals with others, secretive behaviours around food, spending more time alone, and erratic spending on food.
Without treatment, Binge Eating Disorder can lead to serious consequences such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic kidney problems
- Increased risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease
- Increased risk of self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide
How to get help
Recovery from Binge Eating Disorder is possible – even if you’ve been living with it for many years. Whether you’re worried about yourself or someone you care about, starting a conversation is an important first step.
Early support can reduce the severity and duration of an eating disorder.
- Unsure if you’re at risk? Try Butterfly’s screening tool.
- Speak to your GP, healthcare professional, or another trusted adult. You can find experienced professionals through Butterfly’s Referral Database.
- The Butterfly National Helpline is here 7 days a week, 8am–midnight, for free and confidential support across Australia.
Call 1800 ED HOPE – that’s 1800 33 4673 – or visit butterfly.org.au to chat online, email, or find more information.
Remember, you’re not alone – and talking helps.
