Dispelling the Myths of Binge Eating Disorder

Despite being the most common eating disorder in the United States, binge eating disorder is still widely misunderstood.¹ In fact, there are many common binge eating disorder myths.

But taking some time to learn more about binge eating disorder and the truth behind the condition can help bring more understanding to this widespread condition and possibly help those living with it know the importance of seeking help and know there’s always hope for recovery.

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a mental health condition that involves repeated incidents of eating vast amounts of food in relatively short periods of time. These episodes are referred to as binge eating episodes.

Binging episodes are also characterized by a lack of control over how much or what is eaten and marked by at least three of the following:⁷

• Eating more rapidly than normal
• Eating despite not feeling physically hungry
• Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
• Eating alone due to embarrassment over eating behavior
• Feelings of guilt, disgust, or shame following a binge eating episode

To fit the diagnostic criteria for BED, someone must experience recurrent binge eating at least once a week over the course of three months.⁷

There’s no single cause for BED. Like many other eating disorders, BED can—and nearly always does—develop from various biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Top Myths About Binge Eating Disorder

Many myths about BED make it challenging to understand the severity of the condition. Learning the truth behind these myths can help individuals better identify if they or someone they love may suffer from BED.

Myth 1: BED is Not an Actual Eating Disorder

There is a difference between binge eating and having a binge eating disorder. Many individuals binge eat at some point, whether during the holidays or in celebration of a significant life event.

Binge eating disorder is a different case. People with this condition binge eat regularly. This pattern of disordered eating is tied to several related psychological, biological, emotional, and environmental issues.

The condition was officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as an eating disorder in 2013. And it is already understood as the most common eating disorder in the United States.¹

Myth 2: All People with BED are Overweight

While many people who struggle with binge eating disorders present in larger bodies, weight has nothing to do with the diagnostic criteria for BED. People with binge eating disorder can come in all different shapes and sizes, and it’s impossible to determine if someone has BED by looking at them.

BED is actually common in athletes, especially those who follow strict weight requirements for their sports. Some athletes follow a restrictive diet to manage their weight for much of their training season. Then, in the off-season, their hunger and satiety cues get disrupted after prolonged caloric restriction, driving urges to binge eat.³

Myth 3: BED is the Same as Bulimia Nervosa

There are many similarities between BED and bulimia nervosa (BN), but they are different disorders for a reason.

While both conditions involve binge eating episodes, individuals with BN attempt to “compensate” for these events with purging behaviors. Self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, fasting, and excessive exercise are the most common ways someone with BN will attempt to prevent weight gain.⁶

With BED, there are no compensatory behaviors following a bingeing episode, though feelings of guilt or disgust about the amount of food eaten are very common.

Myth 4: BED is Not as Dangerous as Other Eating Disorders

BED is a severe eating disorder that can cause short-term and long-term health problems.

Someone with BED may have increased stress levels, leading to high blood pressure. People with BED also have an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Additional concerns include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, disturbed kidney function, and difficulties with thinking or remembering.⁴

Like many other eating disorders, a lot of mental and emotional stress comes with BED. It’s not uncommon for people with BED to experience bouts of extreme sadness, depression, or thoughts of self-harm.¹

Myth 5: Binge Eating Disorder is Rare

Binge eating disorder is anything but rare. In fact, BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States.¹ It’s thought to affect nearly 2.8 million people in the U.S. alone.⁵

Myth 6: People with Binge Eating Disorder Need More Self-Control

More willpower is not going to help someone with BED stop eating. The condition is a mental health disorder, often requiring professional treatment to overcome.

People who don’t understand the severity of BED think it’s easy for a person to stop binge eating and blame it on a lack of self-control. While someone may feel a lack of control during a binge eating episode, self-control is not the underlying cause of BED.

Myth 7: BED is Not Treatable

Thankfully, this is one of the biggest myths about binge eating disorder. The condition is emerging as a very treatable eating disorder.

There are various treatment options available, depending on the individual’s needs, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and certain types of medication.

Getting a diagnosis and speaking with a doctor is an excellent first step in the recovery journey. Speaking with a professional about BED can feel uncomfortable, but talking to someone as soon as possible is vital to reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Finding Help for Binge Eating Disorder

There are many places to seek help for binge eating disorder. A primary care physician or therapist is often an excellent starting place. Once they learn more about an individual’s situation, they can refer you to mental health professionals, eating disorder professionals, or programs.

If someone is uncomfortable speaking to a medical professional in person, there are plenty of eating disorder hotlines to call. Individuals can remain anonymous by calling these hotlines while accessing helpful treatment and recovery resources.

The road to recovery is a long journey, but building a better relationship with food will ultimately lead to a happier and healthier future.