Binge eating involves consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time—often far beyond what would be considered typical—accompanied by a sense of loss of control. For many individuals, these episodes are followed by intense feelings of guilt, shame, or emotional distress. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States and affects people of all ages, genders, and body types. Unlike bulimia, binge eating is not regularly followed by purging behaviors, but it can still significantly impact a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Common signs of binge eating include:
- Eating rapidly and to the point of physical discomfort
- Eating in secret or when not physically hungry
- Feeling out of control during episodes
- Experiencing shame, guilt, or depression afterward
- Frequent dieting or concern about weight and body image