Binge Eating Disorder Statistics
Binge eating disorder is frighteningly common in Westernized cultures, as many engage in binge eating behaviors but minimize these as emotional eating or falsely consider them as effective coping mechanisms. Below are some important factors about BED prevalence and impact provided by the NIHs National Institute on Mental Health :
- 1.2% of adults in the US struggle with BED.
- BED is two times more prevalent in females than males .
- Research indicates that 62.6% of those with BED experience impairment in their daily lives and 18.5% experience severe impairment.
- 78.9% of those with BED experience a comorbid mental health diagnosis.
- BED often co-occurs with anxiety, mood, impulse control, and substance use disorders.
- 43.6% of individuals with BED seek treatment, with more women seeking out treatment than men.
- 1.6% of teenagers struggle with BED.
- BED impacts African Americans as often as white individuals, however, more research is needed on its impact among other racial and ethnic groups.
Bed Holistic Health And Weight Loss
Overweight binge eaters represent a collision of two traditional treatment worlds: eating disorders and weight control. 30-40% of those seeking weight loss treatment meet the criteria for BED. In a residential weight control treatment setting, this link between overweight/obesity and binge eating is striking. Our mean BMI is 43.3 and data suggest that 43.7 % of our participants have BED. A host of co-morbidities results from this combination of eating pathology and obesity.
Mukbang And Its Relation To Binge Eating Disorder
Health data published by Psychologists states that around 70 percent of mukbang actors experience Binge Eating Disorder . This is a condition when people with binge eating disorder lose control of their eating. They eat large portions of food and are often obese and overweight.
People with binge eating disorder do not have a fixed amount of food. They eat until they are full. They tend to swallow food without chewing it. When you dont chew food properly, your digestive system wont be able to digest it.
When the digestive system is unable to digest food the consequences:
1. Excessive stomach acid production.
2. Bloating.
3. Slow down the digestive system.
Symptoms of binge eating disorder resembling mukbang are:
1. Eat large portions of food in a certain time.
2. Eat even though you are full.
3. Eat quickly.
4. Eat until you are full.
Indeed, the mukbang trend should be viewed as the latest development of how the internet affects peoples eating patterns and seems to supporteating disorders. It is important to realize that mukbang can affect people who are struggling with eating disorders. According to health data published by Research Gate, it is stated that mukbang does provide various effects.
Causes of Binge Eating Disorder Unlike a mukbang whose motivation is to get as many viewers and attention as possible, binge eating disorder itself is triggered by several conditions. A person can have an eating disorder if:
Recommended Reading: Can Low Blood Sugar Cause Panic Attacks
Eating Heavily When Youre Not Hungry
Your food intake is tied to your hunger levels in a healthy eating pattern. When you feel hungry, you eat enough to feel sated. When youre not hungry, you generally dont eat. If you have a binge eating disorder, you do not follow this pattern of food consumption. Instead, you eat when youre not hungry. In addition, the amount of food you eat goes well past the point of typical snacking.
Anxiety Depression & Other Co

78.9% of those with BED experience a co-occurring diagnosis, as BED behaviors can be a maladaptive coping skill or increase symptoms of other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Anxiety Disorders: Many individuals that struggle with clinical anxiety present with disordered relationships to food. This could be a result of using food to cope with emotional dysregulation. It is also likely that the opposite is true and that the shame, guilt, secrecy, and feelings of loss of control that occur with binge eating result in increased anxiety symptoms.
Mood Disorders: Mood disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder, are experienced by 46.4% of those with a BED diagnosis. This is unsurprising, as, similar to anxiety disorders, many individuals seek to cope with uncomfortable emotional states using food. This correlation may also occur due to an individuals self-view and self-worth being impacted by their binge eating behaviors. Binge eating episodes can also lead to feelings of hopelessness or despair as one feels they cannot control their behaviors.
Other Co-Occurring Diagnosis: The relationship between BED and other diagnoses are similar to those with mood and anxiety disorders, with the disorders fueling one another. Some other disorders that commonly co-occur with BED include impulse control disorders and substance use disorders.
Also Check: What Is The General Population’s Risk Of Developing Schizophrenia
International Classification Of Diseases
BED was first included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1994 simply as a feature of eating disorder. In 2013 it gained formal recognition as a psychiatric condition in the DSM-5.
The 2017 update to the American version of the ICD-10 includes BED under F50.81.ICD-11 may contain a dedicated entry , defining BED as frequent, recurrent episodes of binge eating which are not regularly followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain.
Renegotiating Binge Foods In Bed Recovery
Many individuals who struggle with binge eating also may have particular foods that trigger binge episodes. Foods that are higher in carbohydrates and fats can cause the release of the hormone serotonin in the brain, which can induce pleasurable feelings. For this reason, people who are dealing with binge eating disorder often gravitate towards foods with these components, either for comfort or as a means of escaping from difficult situations.
Also Check: Prodromal Psychotic Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder Health Risks
The impacts that consistent binge eating episodes can have on physical health long-term are concerning. Many may discount binge eating behaviors as emotional eating, however, if left untreated, they can be incredibly dangerous and lead to the following:
- Obesity
- Increased risk of some types of cancer.
Breaking 5 Myths Of Binge Eating
Binge Eating Disorder is the most common of all the eating disorders but incongruently, with the least treatment options for the sufferers. Until recently, BED was not even recognized as an actual disorder and could not be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual published by The American Psychiatric Association.
Read Also: Can You Go To The Er For A Panic Attack
Increased Precautions We’re Taking In Response To Covid
As updates on the impact of COVID-19 continue to be released, we want to take a moment to inform you of the heightened preventative measures we have put in place at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center to keep our patients, their families, and our employees safe. All efforts are guided by and in adherence to the recommendations distributed by the CDC.
Please note that for the safety of our patients, their families, and our staff, there are certain restrictions in place regarding on-site visitation at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center.
- These restrictions have been implemented in compliance with updated corporate and state regulations to further reduce the risks associated with COVID-19.
- Options for telehealth visitation are continuously evaluated so that our patients can remain connected to their loved ones.
- Alternate methods of communication for other services may be offered when deemed clinically appropriate.
For specific information regarding these changes and limitations, please contact us directly.
CDC updates are consistently monitored to ensure that all guidance followed is based on the latest information released.
The safety of our patients, their families, and our employees is our top priority, and we will remain steadfast in our efforts to reduce any risk associated with COVID-19.
The CDC has provided a list of easy tips that can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
What Are The Symptoms Of Binge Eating Disorder
At Priory, we understand that binge eating disorder is a debilitating condition that can have a hugely detrimental, long-term impact on an individuals psychological and physical wellbeing. In addition, because BED is a highly secretive disorder, with many sufferers feeling too embarrassed and ashamed to eat excessively in front of other people, this condition can often go undiagnosed and untreated for a long period of time.
The signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder can vary from person to person, and can be categorised into psychological, physical and behavioural/social symptoms.
You May Like: Phobia Psychology Definition
Bed & Bariatric Surgery Or The Sleeve
Countless individuals struggle with Binge Eating Disorder throughout our nation though many suffer in silence due to the fears and stigmas that surround this painful disorder. A common physical effect that can result from BED is obesity, which can result from consuming a greater amount of food than is needed over time.
Binge Eating Disorder According To The Dsm

The DSM-5 specifies diagnostic criteria that one must meet for a full diagnosis of a mental disorder. For BED, the following criteria are required for diagnosis:
- Eating, in a discrete period of time , an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances.
- A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode .
- Eating much more rapidly than normal.
- Eating until feeling uncomfortably full.
- Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry.
- Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating.
- Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward.
Also Check: Pristiq Depression
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder
Like other eating disorders, binge eating disorder results from a mix of factors related to your genes, your thoughts and feelingsparticularly about your weight and shapeas well as cultural and social issues and your environment. Binge eating disorder also has been linked to depression and anxiety.
For some people, dieting in unhealthy wayssuch as skipping meals, not eating enough food, or avoiding certain kinds of foodmay contribute to binge eating.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder And What Are The Symptoms
People with BED may eat a lot of food in a short amount of time, even if they arent hungry. Emotional stress or destress often plays a role and might trigger a period of binge eating.
A person might feel a sense of release or relief during a binge but experience feelings of shame or loss of control afterward .
For a healthcare professional to diagnose BED, three or more of the following symptoms must be present:
- eating much more rapidly than normal
- eating until uncomfortably full
- eating large amounts without feeling hungry
- eating alone due to feelings of embarrassment and shame
- feelings of guilt or disgust with oneself
People with BED often experience feelings of extreme unhappiness and distress about their overeating, body shape, and weight (1,
- 8 ).
An episode of binge eating can be triggered by stress, dieting, negative feelings relating to body weight or body shape, the availability of food, or boredom .
Summary
The causes of BED are not fully known. As with other eating disorders, a variety of genetic, environmental, social, and psychological risks are associated with its development.
Don’t Miss: Can Being Dehydrated Cause Anxiety
Binge Eating Disorder: When Comfort Eating Crosses The Line
Eating for comfort or emotional reasons is not necessarily a bad thing. That is as long as the food does not become the main source of comfort or method for dealing with lifes stress and challenges. Using food to consistently soothe emotional upheaval can quickly become Binge Eating Disorder, and this can result in some serious health consequences.
Binge Eating Disorder: Signs And Symptoms
Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating accompanied by feelings of distress and a lack of control. For individuals with BED, unlike bulimia nervosa, the binge-eating is not followed with purging, excessive exercise, or fasting. As result of the episodes, people with binge eating disorder are often overweight or obese. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is the most common eating disorder in the United States. Complete recovery is possible for those with BED.
Don’t Miss: Aphobic Definition
Repeated Binge Eating Episodes
An episode of binge eating has these two basic characteristics:
- Large amount. You eat an amount of food within a particular time period that is larger than what most people would eat in a similar period. The specific type of food doesnt matter, but its often high in carbs or fat.
- Loss of control. You feel a lack of control over your eating during the episode, like you cant stop or control how much you eat.
Frequent Recurring Binge Eating
If you have BED, you also experience recurring episodes of binge eating that occur about once a week or more for at least
Compensatory behaviors are any action a person takes to reverse the effects of their behavior.
In the context of eating disorders, compensatory behaviors may include:
- vomiting on purpose
- exercising excessively
- using laxatives
People with BED dont tend to engage in these compensatory behaviors after a bingeing episode, but they can be a sign of bulimia nervosa.
Also Check: Phobia Definition Medical
Signs Of Bed In A Loved One
Look for these red flags if you believe your child or another loved one is binge eating:
- You find “stashes” of food — like under a bed or in a backpack.
- Large amounts of food go missing from the pantry or fridge.
- Your loved one “disappears” behind closed doors or stays up late at night .
- Piles of food wrappers are left in the car, buried in the trash, or hidden in places like a closet.
- Your loved one hides their body with baggy clothes.
If you think there’s a problem, talk with your loved one about it in a comforting, understanding way. They may blame themselves for being weak or not having the willpower to stop. They may be defensive. Start the conversation with, “I love you, and I’m worried you may have a problem.”
Tell your loved one that binge eating disorder is a real psychological problem that is treatable with therapy and medication. It may take time and hard work, but assure them that they can find peace with food and their emotions again.
Show Sources
What Are The Treatment Options

The treatment plan for BED depends on the causes and severity of the eating disorder, as well as individual goals.
Treatment may target binge eating behaviors, excess weight, body image, mental health issues, or a combination of these.
Therapy options include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy, weight loss therapy, and medication. These may be carried out on a one-to-one basis, in a group setting, or in a self-help format.
In some people, just one type of therapy may be required, while others may need to try different combinations until they find the right fit.
A medical or mental health professional can provide advice on selecting an individual treatment plan.
Recommended Reading: Simple Phobia Definition
Depression And Binge Eating Disorder
Depression is commonly associated with eating disorders, and it is often co-occurring with Binge Eating Disorder . Trying to address Binge Eating Disorder can become more difficult if clinical depression is a key component or trigger for binge eating. This begs the question of Did binge eating begin because of depression or did depression begin because of binge eating?
Interview With Carolyn Costin
Interview with Carolyn Costin: I had been recovered from anorexia nervosa for a while and my friends knew this so when a young girl with anorexia needed help people sought me out. When I saw this person it was like I knew the inside of her mind. She felt understood and she got better. Then I got another referral and she got better too. Soon people all around my town and the surrounding cities started referring to me. It was only then, that I knew I had to do this work.
Don’t Miss: Phobia Essays
Behavioral Weight Loss Programs For Binge Eating Disorder
Many people with binge-eating disorder have a history of failed attempts to lose weight on their own. But, before incorporating a weight loss program, talk to your doctor for guidance and additional recommendations. Ensure that the disorder is treated, because dieting may trigger more binge-eating episodes, making weight loss less successful.
Eating When Full Or Not Hungry
Eating when full or not hungry is one of the most common signs of binge eating disorder. When someone has this condition, they’re generally using food as a way of coping with life stress or a way of getting positive feelings. Rather than eating because they’re hungry and need nutrition, they eat for the emotional benefits of the binge. These benefits are short-lived, though. Patients may not even experience positive emotions while bingeing, especially if they feel they don’t have any control over their actions.
It’s important to note eating out of boredom is different from binge eating disorder or other eating disorders. Boredom eating can usually be handled with simple lifestyle changes and more mindfulness about diet. Binge eating disorder, on the other hand, has a mental health component that can’t go untreated. Without treating the underlying mental illness, patients will continue to lose control when they eat.
Recommended Reading: Diabetes Symptoms Anxiety