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Overview
Binge eating disorder involves regularly eating a lot of food over a short period of time until you're uncomfortably full.
It's a serious mental health condition where people eat without feeling like they’re in control of what they’re doing.
Binges are sometimes planned in advance, but can be spontaneous. They are usually done alone, and may include "special" binge foods. You may feel guilty or ashamed after binge eating.
Men and women of any age can get binge eating disorder, but it often starts when people are in their 20s or older.
Symptoms
The main symptom of binge eating disorder is eating a lot of food in a short time and not being able to stop when full. Other symptoms include:
- eating when not hungry
- eating very fast during a binge
- eating alone or secretly
- feeling depressed, guilty, ashamed or disgusted after binge eating
People who regularly eat in this way may have binge eating disorder.
Causes
The exact causes of binge eating disorder are not known, but you are more likely to have an eating disorder if:
- you or a member of your family has a history of eating disorders, depression, or alcohol or drug misuse
- you're too worried about being slim, particularly if you also feel pressure from society or your job, for example, ballet dancers, models or athletes
- you have anxiety, low self-esteem, an obsessive personality or are a perfectionist
- you've experienced a stressful event or trauma
Treatment Options
Most people recover from binge eating disorder with the right support and treatment, but it may take time.
The main treatments are:
- guided self-help programmes
- a type of talking therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is in group sessions or individual (1-on-1) sessions
When To See A Doctor
See a GP If you think you may have binge eating disorder, see a GP as soon as you can.
They'll ask you about your eating habits and how you're feeling, and check your weight and overall health.
The GP should refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists if they think you have binge eating disorder or another eating disorder.
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