Binge Eating Disorder: How to Care for Yourself

People with binge eating disorder regularly eat large amounts of food even when they're not hungry (binge eat). They feel out of control and upset by the behavior. Treatment for binge eating disorder can help you have a healthy weight, develop healthy habits, and change the way you think about food and your body.

Follow the care team's recommendations for: 

• your meal plan, which will tell you what you should eat in a day to stay healthy

• whether you need any medicines, nutritional supplements, or vitamin supplements

• whether you should weigh yourself

• setting limits for social media use

• going to follow-up care visits

Practice healthy eating habits by: 

• not skipping meals (People are more likely to overeat if they get too hungry.)

• practicing mindful eating (paying attention to what you eat and noticing when you feel full)

• identifying triggers (Some people binge eat when they're stressed or upset. Make a plan for how you can avoid or manage things that trigger binge eating.)

• being active (Regular exercise can feel good and help you manage your weight.)

Help your overall well-being by:

• getting enough sleep

• finding ways to manage stress and improve your mood (You might enjoy listening to music, drawing, dancing, writing in a journal, or talking to a friend. Yoga, meditation, or taking a couple of deep breaths also can help you relax.)

You:

• are not following the meal plan or continue to overeat

• gain or lose a lot of weight

• use laxatives, throwing up, overexercising, or other means to get rid of weight

• have thoughts of self-injury

You are thinking about or planning to end your life. You can also call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

What causes binge eating disorder? The exact cause of binge eating disorder isn't clear. It probably happens from a combination of a genetic (inherited) tendency, family eating habits, emotions, and eating behavior like skipping meals. Some people use food to soothe themselves or cope with difficult feelings. 

What are the symptoms of binge eating disorder? Binge eating disorder is when a person regularly eats a lot of food (more than what's needed) in a short time. They feel like they can't stop eating, even after they're full. Many people who binge eat are overweight. But those at a healthy weight can also have a binge eating disorder. People with binge eating disorder usually are unhappy about their weight and often feel depressed.

Someone who's binge eating might:

• eat a lot of food quickly

• hide food containers or wrappers in their room

• have big changes in their weight (up or down)

• skip meals, eat at unusual times (like late at night), and eat alone

• have a history of eating in response to emotional stress (like family conflict, peer rejection, or school problems)

How is binge eating disorder treated? Binge eating is treated by a care team of specialists that includes doctors, behavioral health providers, and a dietitian. These experts work together to monitor the person's medical health, provide counseling, and make dietary recommendations.

The doctor might prescribe medicine to treat binge eating, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.

Some people can be treated at home with close follow-up with the care team. Others may go to a special program during the day to get help. Some people need to stay in the hospital to make sure they get the treatment they need.