Binge-eating disorder

Written by Katherine Nicholls
Katherine Nicholls
Counselling Directory Content Team

Reviewed by Alison Knight
Last updated 3rd March 2023 | Next update due 2nd March 2026

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a mental health condition that causes people to eat large quantities of food, often feeling unable to stop. 

Binge-eating is when a person eats a large amount of food over a short space of time. They may not be hungry when doing this, often resulting in physical discomfort, as well as feelings of shame and guilt. Often referred to as compulsive eating, the affected person may have come to rely on food to mask or cope with difficult feelings.

Binge-eating disorder is a type of eating disorder and is believed to affect all genders equally at any age, though it tends to be more common in adults.

In this video psychotherapist Julie de Rohan discusses binge-eating disorder, including what it is and how counselling can help you on your journey of recovery. 

What is binge-eating disorder?

Binge-eating episodes will typically take place in private and may last a number of hours, though some episodes can last all day. This lack of control can leave a person feeling distressed and upset, and it is often a sense of shame that prevents them from speaking up and seeking support.

Binge-eating disorder (also referred to as BED) can affect a person both physically and emotionally. Commonly associated with depression and anxiety, it is important for sufferers to know they're not alone and shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help. 


Spotting the signs of binge-eating disorder

There are certain feelings and behaviours associated with binge-eating disorder. If you are turning to food for emotional support, you may experience feelings of guilt, loneliness, sadness, low self-worth, stress and anxiety.

It is common for people with eating problems to feel ashamed, or even embarrassed by their behaviours. They tend to be very secretive and, because of this, many people will not seek help early enough, if at all. Below we list some of the feelings and behaviours associated with binge-eating disorder. If you recognise them in yourself, or you are worried about someone else, please keep reading. These can include:

  • Feelings of shame/guilt.
  • Picking at food all day or eating large amounts at once.
  • Eating until you feel sick or discomfort.
  • Feeling sad or upset about your body, in particular if you are gaining weight.
  • Feeling very low or worthless.
  • Sensing a loss of control around food, even if you want to stop.
  • Feeling stressed or anxious.
  • Eating in private or hiding how much you’re eating.

If you recognise any of the above signs or behaviours, it doesn’t necessarily mean you do have an eating problem, but it is important to consult your GP. When you are in the depths of an eating disorder, it can be very difficult to see a way out - this is even more difficult if you’re doing it alone. But recovery is possible and there is a way out - as dark and alone you may feel right now, people are there to help you.

I wish people knew that I do not enjoy eating until I’m in agony. It’s not as simple as making a choice to diet, to run or to go to the gym; while this can sometimes help, if your mental health is not looked after it rarely lasts. This is something that runs deep, it’s from trauma and from a lack of support, it has never been my choice.

- Read Charlotte's experience of binge-eating disorder.

Getting support for binge-eating disorder

As with most eating problems, binge-eating disorder will often develop as a result of an underlying issue. Understanding this and getting help is key to overcoming and recovering from an eating disorder.

Talking about your experience can help ease some of the pressures and stress you may be feeling, though we understand that this can be incredibly daunting. We can often turn to our friends and family for support, though sometimes this is not possible. Other ways you can get support include:

  • speaking to your GP
  • online charities or support groups 
  • consider talking to a counsellor
Therapists who can help with binge-eating disorder

Treatment for binge-eating disorder

It’s important to realise that you can recover from an eating disorder. While it may not be straightforward or easy, we know that the earlier someone gets treatment, the more likely they are to make a full recovery. Having people around you, who you trust and will support you, help make the next steps seem less of a climb.

Self-help

It is common for your GP to recommend self-help techniques for overcoming binge-eating disorder. They may suggest books or self-help courses, as well as online support groups and helplines. Self-help programmes can be for individuals, in a group or one-to-one with a professional (guided self-help). What form you would like is up to you, ask questions and take time to decide what you believe will be most beneficial.

Take steps to develop a healthier relationship with food. It is important to understand the difference between hunger and relying on food for emotional support. 

Talking therapies

Psychological treatment is often required to help overcome eating problems. Below are the most common talking therapies recommended for eating problems, including binge-eating disorder.

Medication

Your GP may recommend medication as either an alternative or to accompany other therapies. While there are no drugs that help specifically with eating disorders, antidepressants or medications for anxiety may be offered.

When used as an accompaniment to talking therapies, medication can be helpful. This isn’t the option for everyone, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

Understanding some of the emotional reasons that perpetuate your eating is a good start, and counselling will help you gain insight into this and assist you to develop tools for managing your emotions without turning to food.

- Disordered eating psychotherapist, Sarah Dosanjh, explains more in Ending the nightmare of bindge eating.

Supporting a loved one

Having an eating disorder can be very scary and isolating. People may be too embarrassed to speak up, so it is important for others to be aware of the signs and reach out if worried about a loved one.

If you suspect someone you know may be struggling, consider the following:

  • One of the most important things you can do is let them know you’re there. They may not be ready to talk, but knowing you will be there to listen when they are is a very powerful thing.
  • Understand that while to you, their behaviour is a problem, they may not see it in the same light. Many people with an eating disorder do not see it as a problem, but a solution to dealing with other, more difficult feelings.
  • Try to avoid making social plans surrounding food. This can be very stressful for your friend. Instead, suggest going for a walk or having an evening to relax and take your mind off things.
  • Educate yourself on the conditions and how you can help. This can give you an insight into what they are going through and how they may be feeling.

Remember to look after yourself. Worrying about a loved one can be exhausting, so be sure to take time out and talk about your thoughts. It can be frustrating to see someone you care about in trouble, but without looking after yourself, you risk pushing them. Making sure you rest and are healthy is the first step to caring for another.


What should I be looking for in a counsellor or psychotherapist?

There is no law in place specifying the level of training a counsellor must have in order to treat individuals with BED. However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have developed a set of clinical guidelines that issue advice on types of psychological treatment, medication and available services.

Key recommendations include the following:

  • Cognitive behaviour therapy for binge-eating disorder (CBT-BED), a specifically adapted form of CBT, should be offered to adults with binge-eating disorder.
  • Other psychological treatments may be offered to adults with binge-eating disorder, including interpersonal psychotherapy for binge-eating disorder and modified dialectical behaviour therapy.
  • Adults should be informed that all psychological treatments for binge-eating disorder have a limited effect on body weight.

For more information, please visit the full NICE guidelines:

Eating disorders: NICE guidelines


Further help

Image
Meet our expert panel Our content is reviewed by professionals Find out more
Julie Crawford Nora Allali-Carling Laura Duester Sulette Snyman Kaye Bewley Fran Jeffes
Search for a counsellor
Trusted Information Creator - Patient Information Forum

Trust our content

We are a PIF TICK 'trusted information creator'. This means you can be assured that what you are reading is evidence-based, understandable, jargon-free, up-to-date and produced to the best possible standard.

All content was accurate when published.

Would you like to provide feedback on our content?
Tell us what you think

Please note we are unable to provide any personal advice via this feedback form. If you do require further information or advice, please search for a professional to contact them directly.

You appear to have an ad blocker enabled. This can cause issues with our spam prevention tool. If you experience problems, please try disabling the ad blocker until you have submitted the form.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Image

Find a therapist dealing with binge-eating disorder

All therapists are verified professionals

All therapists are verified professionals