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What is binge eating disorder?
- Binge eating disorder (BED) is a condition where people experience a loss of control and overeat on a regular basis
- People who binge eat consume very large quantities of food over a short period of time (called bingeing) and they often eat even when they are not hungry (it is not about eating extra large portions at meal times).
- Binges are often planned like a ritual and can involve buying ‘special’ binge foods
- During a binge, you may feel unable to stop eating, or a loss of control
- Binge eating usually takes place in private
- People will often have feelings of guilt or disgust after binge eating
- Binge eating episodes can also include eating much more quickly than normal, eating until feeling uncomfortably full, and eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry.
If you notice you have binged at least once a week over a period of three months or more, you could have Binge Eating Disorder.
You may also have low self esteem and lack of confidence, depression and/or anxiety. Many people with binge eating disorder have problems with weight. Some people become overweight because of emotional difficulties, and being overweight can lead to emotional difficulties.
Low self esteem, feeling guilty or ashamed and socially isolated can all be part of the picture. The relationship between weight, size and health is a complex one.
How can the weight management service help?
The most important factor in treating BED is to shift focus away from losing weight, and move towards a more normal pattern of eating. This is because dieting, focussing on following strict dietary rules and weight loss, can all be factors that make it worse.
Our dietitians will discuss whether a talk with your GP about a referral to specialist service might be appropriate. In most cases it may be possible for the dietitian to give guidance and education on achieving a balanced healthy diet, with regular planned times for eating.
They will also encourage you to keep a food diary because this has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of binge eating.
Your dietician may also ask you to work with our Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, who will help you to understand and manage your binge eating. Once people have addressed their binge eating they may find their weight reduces, although weight loss would not be the main focus of treatment.
More information
Further information and useful resources can be found here:
Overcoming Bing Eating - book by Dr Christopher Fairburn
Our patients matter
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.
If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team
Telephone: 0151 471 2377
Freephone: 0800 328 2941
Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk
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Approval date: 3 July 2026
Review date: 2 July 2027
Version number: 1
