Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is a mental health condition that includes regularly bingeing on large quantities of food, often eating in secret, very rapidly, and past the point of being full.
Treatment for binge eating disorder at Aster Springs
At Aster Springs, treatment for binge eating disorder (BED) goes beyond relearning how to nourish the body. We use a range of evidence-based therapies to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes, helping individuals achieve long-term recovery.
Our Approach to treating BED
Listen in as Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s AVP of Clinical Operations, Kate Fisch, LCSW, CEDS, explains how binge eating disorder is treated at Aster Springs.
About binge eating disorder
- BED involves unhealthy attitudes and behaviors related to weight, food, and body image. These behaviors can become overwhelming, significantly affecting daily life and physical health.
- BED is the second most common eating disorder diagnosed, only surpassed by Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED), according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).
- While often associated with adolescence, BED can develop at any age or stage of life, caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
binge eating disorder
FAQs
What is binge eating disorder?
BED is a serious and complex eating disorder marked by recurring episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period while experiencing a sense of loss of control. Unlike bulimia, BED does not involve compensatory behaviors like purging or excessive exercise. Individuals often eat rapidly, beyond fullness, and may eat in secrecy due to shame or distress. BED is linked to emotional triggers, such as stress, depression, or anxiety, and can contribute to significant physical and psychological health risks, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Diagnosis requires episodes occurring at least once per week for three months.
What are the signs + symptoms of binge eating disorder?
BED presents differently for each individual, but common signs and symptoms include:
- Frequent binge eating episodes – Consuming excessive amounts of food within a short period while feeling out of control.
- Eating rapidly – Eating much faster than normal, often without fully enjoying or even tasting the food.
- Overeating despite discomfort – Continuing to eat past fullness, leading to physical discomfort or pain.
- Emotional distress tied to eating – Feeling guilt, shame, or disgust after a binge episode.
- Eating in secrecy – Avoiding eating around others due to embarrassment about portion sizes.
- Non-hunger eating triggers – Using food as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or emotional distress.
BED is more than just overeating — it’s a serious, complex eating disorder that requires professional support and evidence-based treatment. If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, seeking specialized care can be the first step toward lasting recovery.
What are the health dangers of binge eating disorder?
BED is more than just an emotional struggle — it has serious, long-term health consequences that can impact nearly every system in the body. Without proper treatment, BED can lead to:
- Type 2 diabetes – Frequent binge episodes can contribute to insulin resistance and unstable blood sugar levels.
- High blood pressure + heart disease – Excessive food intake, particularly high in fats and sugars, increases cardiovascular risks.
- Sleep disturbances – Insomnia and sleep apnea are common due to weight fluctuations and metabolic changes.
- Elevated cholesterol levels – Binge eating often involves foods high in unhealthy fats, leading to increased LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
- Gallbladder disease – Irregular eating patterns can lead to gallstones and digestive distress.
- Muscle + joint pain – Carrying excess weight puts additional stress on joints, increasing pain and risk of mobility issues.
- Pancreatitis – Repeated binge eating can inflame the pancreas, causing severe abdominal pain and digestive complications.
The physical effects of BED can be life-threatening, but with expert care, recovery is possible. At Aster Springs, our specialized treatment approach addresses BED’s psychological and medical aspects, helping clients regain control of their health and well-being. If you or a loved one are experiencing these health concerns, seeking professional treatment is a critical step toward lasting recovery.
Our Treatment Approach
Aster Springs’ low patient-to-staff ratio allows our highly skilled clinicians to create personalized, comprehensive treatment plans rooted in evidence-based care. Clients play a vital role in setting realistic goals and participate in experiential activities that allow them to safely confront their challenges and build lasting skills for recovery.
Levels of Care
Aster Springs offers comprehensive, evidence-based eating disorder treatment programs designed to meet clients where they are in their recovery journey. Available levels of care include:
Binge Eating Disorder Resources
Explore the links below to learn more about binge eating disorder, including symptoms, treatment, recovery, and more.
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