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Having the uncontrollable urge to consume large amounts of food in one sitting is one of the symptoms of binge eating disorder. This disorder affects about 30 million Americans and can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. Let’s take a more in-depth look at what binge eating disorder is and what can be done to treat it.
What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder that’s characterized by the frequent consumption of large amounts of food. People with a binge eating disorder know they’re consuming too much food and that they have poor eating behaviors, but are often unable to stop their behavior in the moment. Everyone overeats from time to time, but those with binge eating disorder will frequently eat unusually large amounts of food in a short amount of time and tend to have negative feelings of shame or guilt afterward.According to the National Eating Disorders Association, binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It has the highest lifetime prevalence of eating disorders (5.5% compared to 2% for bulimia and 1.2% for anorexia), and nearly 3% of adults will experience binge eating disorder at some point in their lifetime.
The good news is that binge eating disorder can be successfully treated with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. People who receive treatment will have a better quality of life, improved body image, and more control over when, how, and what they eat.
How is binge eating disorder diagnosed?
It’s not exactly known what causes binge eating disorder, but doctors and researchers think it may be a combination of factors such as genetics, social pressure, depression, anxiety, and dieting. Anyone can develop binge eating disorder, but those with the following characteristics have a higher risk of getting it:- Exposure to mental or emotional abuse
- Growing up around family members with unhealthy eating habits
- Anxiety or depression
- Low self-esteem
- History of significant weight changes
- Recurring and frequent binge eating sessions where unusually large amounts of food are consumed quickly
- Fluctuations in weight
- Hoarding food
- Low self-esteem
- Eating alone
- Having specific food rituals
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or depression after bingeing food
A primary care physician can diagnose binge eating disorder but may refer their patient to an eating disorder specialist or therapist if necessary. If you think you have a binge eating disorder and are going to the doctor, here are some questions you might get asked:
- How often do you eat large amounts of food in a short amount of time?
- Do you ever feel depressed or anxious?
- Does your weight go up and down?
- Do you often eat alone because you’re embarrassed about how much you’re eating?
- Do you feel guilty or ashamed after bingeing?
- Do you purge or restrict your calories after bingeing?
- What are the best treatment options for binge eating disorder?
- Will binge eating disorder affect me for my whole life?
- How can I avoid triggering my binge eating?
Binge eating disorder treatment options
Even though less than half of those with binge eating disorder will receive treatment, it can help people regain control of their lives if properly utilized. Many people will be cured of their binge eating episodes over time if they follow a strict treatment plan.Treatment will often involve a combination of the following:
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy helps people form better habits and deal with negative emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people control their behavior, improve their self-image, and regulate their eating patterns. Other types of psychotherapy, such as dialectical behavior therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), can help people control their food intake in a positive way.
- Lifestyle changes: Some habits like eating breakfast can help people with binge eating disorder control their urge to eat large amounts of food.
- Medications: Medications for binge eating disorder may include antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
“Treatment of binge eating disorder needs to be holistic and comprehensive,” says Elizabeth Wassenaar, MD, an eating disorder specialist with the Eating Recovery Center in Denver, Colorado. “People with binge eating disorder need to be treated by a team including physicians, mental health providers, and dietitians. Treatment includes addressing co-occurring mental illness when treating binge eating disorder, examining underlying and maintaining factors of the eating disorder, including trauma history, developing a consistent eating pattern that supports nutrition with a binge eating disorder informed dietitian, and addressing co-morbid medical concerns that may impact one's ability to engage in treatment or recovery.”
Binge eating disorder medications
There are many different kinds of medications that can help treat binge eating disorder. The following medications are the most commonly prescribed.Antidepressants
Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to help treat binge eating disorder because they help improve overall mood, which may help control binging. There are several different types of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline) are examples of commonly prescribed antidepressants. Antidepressants may cause side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or headaches.Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants are a group of medications commonly used to treat seizures, but they can also be used to treat bipolar disorder, neuropathic pain, and in some cases, binge eating disorder. They work by decreasing hyperactivity in the brain and include medications like Topamax (topiramate). Anticonvulsants may cause serious side effects such as memory problems, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.Central nervous system stimulants
Central nervous system stimulants increase attention, alertness, and energy. The central nervous system stimulant Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is the first medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat binge eating disorder. It’s thought to help control impulsive behavior that leads to bingeing. Vyvanse may cause side effects like nausea, dry mouth, and headaches.What is the best medication for binge eating disorder?
The best medication for treating binge eating disorder will vary for each individual based on his or her medical history, age, weight, response to treatment, and overall health. Medications that a patient is already taking may affect which drug he or she is prescribed.| Best medications for binge eating disorder | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Name | Drug Class | Administration Route | Standard Dosage | Common Side Effects |
| Paxil (paroxetine) | SSRI | Oral | 20-50 mg taken once per day | Nausea, dry mouth, dizziness |
| Prozac (fluoxetine) | SSRI | Oral | 60 mg taken once per day | Nausea, constipation, headaches |
| Topamax (topiramate) | Anticonvulsant | Oral | 25-100 mg taken once per day | Drowsiness, loss of appetite, dizziness |
| Zoloft (sertraline) | SSRI | Oral | 50-200 mg taken once per day | Drowsiness, nervousness, dizziness |
| Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) | Central nervous system stimulant | Oral | 50-70 mg taken once per day | Nausea, dry mouth, loss of appetite |
What are the common side effects of binge eating disorder medications?
The most common side effects of binge eating disorder medications are:- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Decreased sex drive
- Changes in appetite
This list of side effects is not complete. For a full list of possible adverse events and drug interactions, talk with a healthcare professional.
What is the best home remedy for binge eating disorder?
Many people find that certain lifestyle changes can help control their urge to binge on large amounts of food. Here are some of the most effective home remedies for binge eating disorder.Eating breakfast
Eating breakfast gives the feeling of being full, so it may help prevent the urge to binge eat large amounts of food later in the day.Finding a support group
People with binge eating disorder who have a strong support system of family and friends may be able to deal with their binge eating behaviors better than someone without a support system. Finding others who are struggling with binge eating disorder is another way to cope with the ups and downs of binging. Many people join group therapy sessions because having supportive and encouraging people around them can greatly improve their quality of life.Avoiding dieting
Trying to go on diets can worsen binge eating disorder because diets can trigger the urge to binge more. It may be best for those with binge eating disorder to avoid dieting and weight loss programs until they have their bingeing under control. Talking with a health professional or dietitian is the best way to learn what to eat while trying to heal from binge eating disorder.Reducing stress
Stress can be a big cause of bingeing episodes because it may lead to seeking comfort in food. Finding ways to reduce stress without food can help reduce the frequency of binge episodes. Mindfulness and meditation practices, yoga, exercise, and deep breathing are all great examples of ways to reduce stress naturally.Frequently asked questions about binge eating disorder
What does it mean to binge eat?
Binge eating is when unusually large amounts of food are consumed in a short amount of time.How do you fix binge eating?
Binge eating is treated with a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.Is there medicine for overeating?
Some medications can help reduce the urge to binge eat large amounts of food. These medications include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and central nervous system stimulants.What is a binge-starve cycle?
A binge-starve cycle is when someone binges a large amount of food and then starves themselves or severely restricts his or her calories afterward. This cycle may repeat until the person seeks treatment.How do I lose weight after a binge?
Binge eating can often lead to weight gain and health problems like obesity. When trying to lose weight after bingeing, it’s important to take care of your body. You might try going for a walk, exercising, eating three balanced meals per day, and staying hydrated. It’s important to remember that the best weight loss treatment plan is to stop bingeing. Talking with a healthcare professional about a treatment plan is one of the best ways to learn more about treating binge eating disorder.Related resources for binge eating disorder
- What are eating disorders?, American Psychiatric Association
- Binge eating disorder, National Eating Disorders Association
- Role of antiepileptic drugs in the management of eating disorders, CNS Drugs