What is binge eating disorder?

Binge eating disorder (BED) is both a type of eating disorder and a mental health condition.

Binge eating disorder is when you eat large amounts of food in a short period of time. The foods most often eaten are highly processed foods such as breads, biscuits, chips and sweets.

Binge eating is different from overeating. Overeating is something that most people do sometimes, such as when you’re stressed or bored.

Nearly 1 in 2 people with an eating disorder have binge eating disorder. About 6 in 10 of these people are female.

What are the symptoms of binge eating disorder?

Binge eating is when you overeat once or more each week, over 3 months or more.

If you have binge eating disorder you may feel:

• out of control when you eat
• the need to hoard food

You may eat:

• large amounts of food in a short period of time — often sweet and savoury carbohydrates
• rapidly
• in secret
• when you’re not hungry
• after you feel full

Binge eating may also make you feel:

• ashamed
• guilty
• embarrassed

This can affect your life. You may withdraw from your usual activities and from family and friends.

Binge eating disorder can also cause physical symptoms, such as:

• abdominal (tummy) pain
• bloating and other gut issues
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• sleep disturbance
• heartburn

How is binge eating disorder different to bulimia?

Binge eating disorder is a lot like bulimia nervosa. People with these disorders eat large amounts of food and are often concerned about their body image.

However, people with binge eating disorder do not use compensatory behaviours, such as:

• forced vomiting
• laxatives
• excessive exercise

People with binge eating disorder can be normal weight, overweight or obese.

What causes binge eating disorder?

There are many causes of binge eating disorder. Your genes can influence your chance of developing binge eating disorder.

Some other things that may make it more likely for you to develop binge eating disorder, are:

• low self-esteem
• neurodivergence such as autism spectrum disorder or ADHD
• drug or alcohol misuse
• dieting
• food insecurity
• unmet needs — these can be social, emotional or physical needs
• a family history of eating disorders

Like other mental health conditions, binge eating disorder can arise from trauma.

When should I see my doctor?

If you think you have binge eating disorder, it’s important to see a doctor.

Stigma around mental health and body image can make it difficult to seek help. Remember that you are not alone.

If you need to talk to someone about your mental health, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

How is binge eating disorder diagnosed?

Your doctor will talk with you about your weight, patterns of eating and your thoughts and feelings about eating.

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in eating disorders such as a:

• psychologist or psychiatrist
• dietitian

How is binge eating disorder treated?

The best treatment for binge eating disorder is psychological therapy and dietary treatment.

Evidence-based therapies for binge eating disorder include:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• interpersonal psychotherapy
• dialectical behaviour therapy

Dietary treatment aims to help you to:

• build a healthy, regular eating pattern
• reduce your binge eating
• challenge your food beliefs
• develop your confidence in eating socially (when with other people)

Most people with binge eating disorder do not need medicines.

What are the complications of binge eating disorder?

Many complications of binge eating disorder are related to weight gain, such as:

• obesity
• diabetes
• coronary heart disease
• high blood pressure

Other mental health concerns associated with binge eating disorder include:

• low self-esteem
• anxiety
• depression

Can binge eating disorder be prevented?

Eating disorder prevention programs may help to lower your chance of developing binge eating disorder.

These programs often target:

• feeling pressure about your appearance
• body dissatisfaction — such as weight and shape
• dieting and exercise

Resources and support

For more support and information about eating disorders, there are organisations that can help.

• For support, information and counselling contact the Butterfly Foundation by calling 1800 33 4673 or chat online.
• For a list of eating disorder health services, go to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration website.
• The InsideOut eClinic is a free, online clinic that you can access at any time — you don’t need a diagnosis or a referral. The eClinic includes Binge Eating eTherapy (BEeT).

Other organisations offer general mental health resources and support.

• Call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 for advice and to connect to local mental health services. Check the operating times here.
• If you are thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online.

Languages other than English

• Embrace Multicultural Mental Health has information about eating disorders in multpile community languages.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.