What’s the most common eating disorder in the United States? No, it’s not Anorexia or Bulimia— it’s Binge Eating Disorder (BED), the newest addition to the DSM-5.
BED is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food over a short period of time, often to the point of discomfort. Though Bulimia is often associated with binging periods, Binge Eating Disorders do not include regular use of unhealthy compensatory measures like purging or excessive exercise. Other symptoms of BED include:
- Feeling loss of control during binge
- Hidden or secretive eating habits
- Feelings of shame, distress, or guilt surrounding eating habits
- Preoccupation with eating habits including extreme dieting
- Body image issues caused by binge eating habits
Binge Eating Disorders affect 2.8 percent of American adults in their lifetime. Approximately half the risk of developing a Binge Eating Disorder is genetic. More than half of those affected also have a comorbid anxiety disorder. Additionally, approximately ten percent of people living with Binge Eating Disorders also experience a co-occurring substance abuse disorder, most commonly alcohol use disorder.
Identifying Binge Eating Disorder
Despite being the most common eating disorder in America, it can be difficult to identify Binge Eating Disorders. Eating a little too much does not necessarily denote disordered eating, and because of the secretive nature of binge eating disorders they can be hard to spot. A few potential signs to look for include:
- Excessive eating in response to stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges
- Hiding evidence of binging: wrappers, packages, and boxes
- Making light of binge eating habits
- Hoarding food and snacks
- Eating when not physically hungry
Binge Eating Disorders are often rooted in unaddressed mental or emotional traumas. As a coping mechanism, BED can cause lasting health consequences. If you or someone you love is experiencing BED, you don’t have to live in shame. Recovery is possible. Eating Disorder Solutions uses an evidence-based binge eating disorder treatment approach which combines comprehensive behavioral health services with medical and dietary support.
Contact us today for more information.
How Binge Eating Disorder Is Diagnosed
A clinician diagnoses BED using the DSM-5-TR criteria: recurring binge episodes with a loss of control, occurring on average at least once a week for three months, causing real distress, and — unlike bulimia — without regular compensatory behaviors such as purging or over-exercise. Only a qualified professional can make the diagnosis; this is for understanding, not self-diagnosis.
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
BED rarely has a single cause. It usually develops from a mix of factors:
- Biological — family history and genetic predisposition
- Psychological — co-occurring depression, anxiety, trauma, or low self-worth
- Behavioral — a history of restrictive dieting, which can trigger the restrict-then-binge cycle
Because BED so often travels with other conditions, integrated co-occurring disorder treatment matters.
Binge Eating Disorder vs. Bulimia
Both involve binge episodes, so they are easy to confuse. The defining difference: people with bulimia regularly use compensatory behaviors to “undo” a binge, while people with BED do not. Both are serious and both are treatable. Not sure where you stand? Our free self-test and our overview of the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder are good starting points, and you can explore our treatment programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is binge eating disorder just overeating?
No. Everyone overeats occasionally. BED involves recurring episodes of eating large amounts with a sense of loss of control, followed by real distress, on a regular pattern — not just at a holiday meal.
How is BED different from bulimia?
Both involve binge episodes, but people with bulimia regularly use compensatory behaviors such as purging, fasting, or over-exercising, while people with BED do not. Both are serious and treatable.
Can binge eating disorder be treated?
Yes. BED responds well to evidence-based care that combines therapy, nutritional support, and treatment for any co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.
Who is most at risk for BED?
Risk is higher with a family history of eating disorders or mental health conditions, a history of restrictive dieting, or co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma. It affects people of all genders and backgrounds.
