Skip to content

Free Virtual College Support Group Available Nationwide

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Signs, Symptoms & Treatments

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is driven by cycles of dietary restriction and deprivation, along with complex social and emotional factors, affecting people of all races and genders. During episodes of binge eating, individuals experience a sense of loss of control over their eating followed by feelings of guilt and shame. These eating patterns provide short-term relief from painful emotions but, eventually, the emotions return — often more intensely. It is common for those who have a diagnosis of BED to also experience co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use.

Is It Really an Eating Disorder?

We live in a culture with rigid ideals about food, weight and size, so it can be difficult to recognize when your thoughts and behaviors have become dangerous. Take a quiz and find out.

Binge Eating Disorder Warning Signs

BED can have serious medical consequences including gastrointestinal issues, chemical imbalance and an overall loss of energy and vitality. Key signs you or someone you know may be struggling with BED include:

  • Consume large quantities of food when not physically hungry
  • Fear of eating in public or around others
  • Loss of control overeating and eating until uncomfortably full
  • Rapid consumption of food

How to Help Someone with Binge Eating Disorder

Individuals with eating disorders deserve and require professional evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Parents, family or friends—in collaboration with a mental health professional—can play an active and essential role in restoring healthy eating. Reach out to a Renfrew Program Information Specialist to schedule a FREE assessment or to learn more about our services.

Thinking About Treatment?

Effectively Treating Binge Eating Disorder

Recovery means much more than just stopping dieting, restricting, binge eating, and purging. It also means identifying the patterns, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that underlie disordered eating – and working to build emotional tolerance so that individuals no longer need eating disorder symptoms as a means of coping.

Reach Out to Us

Call 1-800-RENFREW (736-3739)

Talk with a Program Information Specialist at the number above to learn more about our
services and to schedule an assessment. Or, fill out the information below and we will contact you.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.