A Parent’s Guide To Binge Eating Disorder

• Eat much more rapidly than normal.

• Eat until uncomfortably full.

• Eat large amounts when not physically hungry.

• Eat alone due to shame or embarrassment.

• Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after the binge.

These episodes must cause significant distress and occur at least once per week for three months. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, BED does not involve compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or laxative use. Binge eating is different from occasional overeating—many individuals with BED report feeling physically ill after a binge, along with overwhelming shame and a profound sense of being out of control.

Who develops binge eating disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. While it can begin at any stage of life, diagnoses are increasingly common among adolescents and young adults. Research shows that BED often develops during the teenage years—a time marked by major physical, emotional, and social changes. Teens may hide their behaviors out of shame or fear of being judged, and parents may mistake binge eating for “normal teenage hunger” during a growth spurt or hormonal shift. Because many teens with BED do not appear underweight or visibly ill, signs are often overlooked, and the possibility of an eating disorder may not be considered. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical, as untreated BED in adolescence can negatively impact body image, emotional regulation, and self-esteem well into adulthood.

BED is also frequently missed in populations that don’t fit the stereotype of an eating disorder. One in three individuals with BED is male, yet many boys and men hesitate to seek help due to stigma and the false belief that eating disorders only affect women. BED is also more prevalent among LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color—groups that often face additional barriers to receiving affirming, culturally competent care.

So, who’s most at risk for developing binge eating disorder?

• Those with a family history. Children with a close relative who has had an eating disorder are at higher risk.

• Those who have been teased about their weight by family members.

• People who have experienced food insecurity.

• A personal history of dieting.

• A personal history of trauma (eg. abuse of any type, bullying at school, traumatic loss of a loved one, etc).

Binge Eating Disorder Myths

How does binge eating disorder develop?

Binge Eating Disorder often develops through a complex combination of emotional, psychological, biological, and environmental factors. Research suggests that dopamine—the brain’s “reward” chemical—may play a role in BED. For some individuals, eating activates the brain’s reward system more intensely, making food feel especially comforting or soothing. This heightened response can reinforce the urge to binge, especially in times of stress or emotional discomfort.

Like other eating disorders, BED also appears to have a genetic component. Studies show that it often runs in families and may be linked to specific genetic traits related to impulse control or emotional regulation. There may also be biological differences in individuals with BED, including challenges with appetite regulation, impulse control, or stress response. Taken together, these factors create a powerful cycle that is difficult to break without support.

Individuals with binge eating disorder (BED) often use food as a way to manage difficult emotions like stress, anxiety, loneliness, or shame. A history of trauma—such as abuse, neglect, or significant loss—is commonly linked to an increased risk of developing BED. For many, eating becomes a way to self-soothe, numb emotional pain, or regain a sense of comfort and control. Over time, this coping strategy can be reinforced by feelings of shame and secrecy, which heighten emotional distress around eating and fuel the binge-restrict cycle.

How would I know if my child has binge eating disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder can be difficult to spot—especially in teenagers or young adults who may already have fluctuating eating habits. Many individuals with BED feel a deep sense of shame about their behavior and go to great lengths to hide it. Unlike other eating disorders, BED doesn’t involve purging or noticeable weight loss, which means it can easily go undetected. Below are some of the most common behavioral, physical, and emotional signs of binge eating disorder. While not everyone will show every sign, these patterns often emerge over time and may signal that your child is struggling with more than just “overeating.”

Behavioral signs

Eating disorders often thrive in secrecy, so many of these behaviors are subtle or easy to miss. Here are some of the more common behavioral signs that may indicate your child is struggling with binge eating disorder:

• Periods of uncontrolled eating, often at a rapid pace - During a binge, individuals may feel like they’re on autopilot—disconnected from their actions and unable to stop, even if they want to. Many describe it as feeling out of control or “in a trance.”

• Eating past fullness to the point of physical discomfort or pain - Even when the body is clearly signaling it’s had enough, the urge to continue eating can feel overwhelming and impossible to ignore.

• Eating alone or in secret - To avoid judgment or shame, many individuals with BED eat privately, often waiting until others are asleep or out of the house.

• Hiding or hoarding food - You may notice food stashed in unusual places—under beds, in drawers, backpacks, or closets—along with hidden wrappers or takeout containers.

• Spending large amounts of money on food or stealing food - Some individuals with BED may impulsively spend beyond their means on binge food, or engage in shoplifting when shame or desperation becomes overwhelming.

• Visiting multiple restaurants or stores in a short time - To avoid suspicion or embarrassment, a person may go to several places in one outing to collect binge food. This ritual reinforces secrecy and adds to the emotional toll of the disorder.

Emotional signs

Many individuals with BED experience intense emotions before, during, and after a binge. These emotional patterns often reinforce the cycle of binge eating and can be just as distressing as the behavior itself. Below are some of the most common emotional signs that may indicate your child is struggling.

• Shame and guilt after binge episodes - Many individuals feel intense remorse after a binge, which can lead to secrecy, self-punishment, and in some cases, additional bingeing to cope with the emotional pain.

• Preoccupation with food and eating - Even when not physically hungry, your child may spend a significant amount of time thinking about food—what they’ve eaten, what they will eat, or how to avoid future binges.

• Low self-esteem and negative body image - Concerns about weight and appearance can deeply impact how your child sees themselves, often contributing to feelings of inadequacy or self-loathing.

• Social withdrawal or isolation - Fears of being judged for their weight or eating behaviors may lead your child to avoid social meals, turn down invitations, or distance themselves from loved ones—further deepening feelings of loneliness and emotional distress.

• Depression and anxiety - These are two of the most common co-occurring mental health conditions in individuals with BED. Emotional struggles often fuel the eating disorder and make recovery more complex without proper support.

Medical complications of binge eating disorder

Binge Eating Disorder can lead to a range of serious medical complications—not just due to weight, but also because of the physical strain irregular eating patterns place on the body. It’s important to know that individuals of any body size can experience health problems related to BED. These complications often develop over time and may be overlooked without regular medical care.

• Type 2 Diabetes - Repeated binge episodes can increase insulin resistance, raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time.

• Heart Disease - BED is associated with inflammation, elevated cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels—all of which can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. Additionally, the psychological stress of bingeing can elevate cortisol, which may further strain the heart.

• High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol - The body’s effort to process large quantities of food in a short period can place added stress on the heart and blood vessels, contributing to elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Sleep Apnea - While often associated with higher weight, sleep apnea may also be influenced by metabolic disruptions and inflammation triggered by disordered eating patterns.

• Joint Pain and Arthritis - Chronic stress, inflammation, and inadequate nutrition can worsen joint pain—even in individuals who are not in higher weight ranges.

• Gastrointestinal Distress - Recurring episodes of binging can cause a range of GI symptoms, including constipation, nausea, acid reflux, and more.

How do you treat binge eating disorder?

Binge eating disorder, like all eating disorders, is best treated through a multidisciplinary approach that includes mental health counseling, nutritional support, medical monitoring, and, when appropriate, psychiatric care. This collaborative model is often referred to as a “treatment team.”

The gold standard for outpatient care typically includes, at minimum, a therapist and a dietitian who work closely together to coordinate recovery. Depending on the individual’s needs, additional providers—such as a medical doctor or psychiatrist—may also be involved. Most importantly, all members of the treatment team should be specialists in eating disorders. Well-meaning providers without specialized training can delay recovery and even cause accidental harm.

• Therapist: The therapist plays a central role in your child’s eating disorder treatment team. Their job is to help your child understand why the eating disorder developed, what maintains it, and how to manage the emotional challenges that come with recovery. Therapists work with clients to build skills for coping with anxiety, increasing distress tolerance, managing depression, and addressing the underlying fears—like rejection, isolation, or not being “enough”—that often drive disordered behaviors.

  That intense anxiety your child feels after eating? The therapist helps them learn how to manage it. The fear of being judged or abandoned? The therapist helps them explore and heal those wounds over time. Of all the providers on the team, the therapist is often the one your child will work with the longest, providing a consistent space for emotional growth and support throughout recovery.

• Dietitian: The dietitian on your child’s treatment team plays a crucial role in restoring physical health and supporting a more balanced relationship with food. Their job is to provide accurate, evidence-based nutrition education, correct common myths about dieting or “healthy” eating, and create a structured meal plan tailored to your child’s needs.

  Unlike general dietitians, eating disorder dietitians are trained to work through the emotional side of eating. They spend time exploring your child’s fears around food and weight gain—and help them take gradual steps toward a more flexible and nourishing relationship with food. Because of their expertise in nutrition and the effects of malnutrition on the body, dietitians are also skilled at recognizing early signs of medical instability and will refer to a physician when additional care is needed.

• Medical Providers: Whether it’s a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, a medical provider becomes an essential part of the treatment team when an eating disorder begins to impact a child’s physical health. These providers monitor key medical indicators—such as lab work, vital signs, and growth patterns—to assess for signs of medical instability. In addition to regular monitoring, they may prescribe medications that support recovery.

  For example, gastrointestinal discomfort is common in eating disorder recovery, and a provider can offer treatments to ease those symptoms and make eating feel more manageable. While medical providers can prescribe basic psychiatric medications, like antidepressants, they will often refer to a psychiatrist for more complex medication needs. It is ideal for your child’s medical provider to have specific training in eating disorders, as many medical complications can be subtle—and easily overlooked by providers without this expertise.

• Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and is responsible for managing psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or mood stabilizers. Appointments with a psychiatrist may feel similar to therapy sessions, but they tend to focus more on symptom monitoring and medication management. Psychiatrists usually meet with patients less frequently than therapists—often every few weeks or months—to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to medications.

  While it’s ideal to work with a psychiatrist who has some understanding of eating disorders, they don’t necessarily need to be a specialist. As long as they have a basic awareness of how eating disorders work, they can safely and effectively support your child’s mental health needs without interfering with the overall recovery process.

Treatment approaches

The focus of treatment should not be on weight loss; instead, the goal is to reduce binge eating episodes and address the emotional distress that drives them. Weight may change as a result of improved eating patterns, but it should not be the primary focus.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors related to food, body image, and self-worth. It’s especially effective for older teens and adults who can reflect on their thought patterns and motivations.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A modern, skills-based approach that helps individuals learn to regulate their emotions, cope with distress, and practice mindfulness. One of its core concepts, Radical Acceptance, encourages people to acknowledge difficult thoughts or feelings without judgment. DBT can be especially helpful in eating disorder treatment, as many individuals struggle to manage overwhelming emotions or tolerate distress without turning to disordered behaviors.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Pronounced like the word “act”—is a modern therapeutic approach that helps individuals respond to difficult thoughts and emotions without turning to self-destructive behaviors. A core goal of ACT is to help people build a values-based life, meaning they learn to make choices aligned with what truly matters to them, even in the presence of emotional pain. For those in eating disorder recovery, ACT can be a powerful tool for reconnecting with purpose and developing healthier, more flexible ways of coping.

The path to recovery

Full recovery from binge eating disorder is possible—but it often takes time, and the process isn’t always linear. Setbacks will occur, which is why continued support is so important. Long-term recovery typically includes ongoing therapy, nutrition counseling, regular medical check-ins, and community connection through support groups or group therapy. For some adolescents with BED, participation in a higher level of care treatment program may be necessary. Every recovery journey is unique. With patience, persistence, and the support of a skilled care team, healing is not only possible—it’s within reach.