Article Translations: (Spanish)
Lots of us find comfort in food. And most people will sometimes eat much more than they normally do on special occasions.
But someone with binge eating disorder has a different relationship with food. They feel like they've lost all control over how much they eat, and they can't stop, even when uncomfortably full. They also binge at least once a week for several months.
For people with binge eating disorder, food may offer feelings of calm or comfort, or stop them from feeling upset. But after a binge, it can have the opposite effect, causing anxiety, guilt, and distress. Many people who binge eat are overweight. But those at a healthy weight can also have a binge eating disorder.
Binge eaters usually are unhappy about their weight and many feel depressed.
Someone who's binge eating also might:
People who binge might have feelings that are common in many eating disorders, such as depression, anxiety, guilt, or shame. They may avoid school, work, or socializing with friends because they're ashamed of their binge eating problem or changes in their body shape and weight.
When kids or teen binge eat, parents may first suspect a problem when large amounts of food go missing from the pantry or refrigerator.
Binge eating is different from bulimia, another eating disorder. People with bulimia binge eat, but try to make up for overeating by throwing up, using laxatives, or over-exercising to lose weight.
The exact cause of binge eating disorder isn't known. But it's likely due to a combination of things, including genetics, family eating habits, emotions, and eating behavior, like skipping meals. Some people use food as a way to soothe themselves or to cope with difficult feelings.
People with binge eating disorder are more likely to have other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and ADHD.
It's hard to know how many teens may binge eat. Because people often feel guilty or embarrassed about out-of-control eating, many don't talk about it or get help.
If a doctor thinks a child or teen might have a binge eating disorder, they'll ask lots of questions about their medical history and dietary habits. The doctor will also ask about the family history, family eating patterns, and emotional issues.
After an exam, the doctor may order lab tests to check for health problems related to weight gain, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, and diabetes.
To diagnose binge eating disorder, doctors and mental health professionals look for signs such as:
People with binge disorders are best treated by a team that includes a doctor, dietitian, and therapist. Treatment includes nutrition counseling, medical care, and talk therapy (individual, group, and family therapy). The doctor might prescribe medicine to treat mental health concerns linked to binge eating, such as anxiety or depression.
It can be hard for someone who binge eats to reach out for help because they're ashamed of overeating or of being overweight. Many teens don't get treatment for binge eating until they're older. But getting help early makes a person more likely to avoid health problems related to weight gain.
If your child might have a problem with binge eating, call your doctor for advice. The doctor can recommend mental health professionals who have experience treating eating disorders in kids and teens.
Reassure your child that you're there to help or just to listen. Encourage healthier eating habits by being a good role model in your relationship with food and exercise. Don't use food as a reward.
These tips can help your child decrease binge episodes:
You also can find support and more information online at:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2024 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com