Many people struggle with patterns of overeating that feel hard to stop. For some, this behavior points to something more complex. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is often misunderstood or overlooked, but it can seriously affect daily life. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery offers treatment options designed to help men address the challenges of BED.
What Does it Mean to Have Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious mental health condition that causes people to eat large amounts of food in a short period. These episodes typically involve a loss of control where the person feels unable to stop eating, even when they’re not hungry or are already uncomfortably full. Binge eating often happens in secret and is followed by feelings of guilt, shame, or emotional distress. To meet the criteria for BED, these episodes must occur at least once a week for three months.
Unlike bulimia, BED does not include attempts to compensate for overeating through actions like forced vomiting or intense workouts. It is currently the most common eating disorder in the United States. BED can affect people of all ages, genders, body sizes, and cultural backgrounds. Many individuals binge eat in response to stress, sadness, or boredom, using food as a way to cope with uncomfortable emotions.
This condition is not caused by a lack of willpower. Emotional, psychological, and biological factors all play a role. BED can disrupt daily routines, damage physical health, and strain relationships. Identifying the condition is the first step toward managing it.
What Makes Someone More Likely to Have BED?
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing Binge Eating Disorder (BED), even though it can affect individuals from all backgrounds.
BED most often begins in adults over the age of 25, but it can develop at any point in life. People living with obesity are more likely to be diagnosed with BED, though body size alone does not determine risk. Individuals with type 2 diabetes also face an increased chance of developing BED. This may be due to the intense focus on food choices and blood sugar management, which can lead to restrictive patterns followed by binge episodes.
Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and mood disorders are often linked to BED. Different traumas (including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse) can increase the risk, especially if it occurred during childhood, which makes access to effective trauma treatment especially important. People who have experienced bullying or negative comments about their appearance may also be more vulnerable.
A family history of eating disorders, substance use, or compulsive behaviors can influence risk as well. Chronic dieting, dissatisfaction with body image, and using food to manage emotions are common contributors. Feelings of isolation, low self-worth, or a lack of coping strategies can also play a part in the development of BED.
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
There isn’t one simple cause of BED. It usually results from a combination of emotional, biological, and environmental factors. A genetic inclination toward eating disorders can also increase risk.
Research suggests that irregularities in dopamine or serotonin may contribute to the development of BED. These brain chemicals affect the processes through which people learn about reward and what is good for the body. Many people with BED struggle with underlying mental health conditions, like clinical depression or anxiety disorders.
Many people may binge eat in response to emotional distress, using food as a way to manage overwhelming feelings. A history of trauma or abuse, especially in early life, is often linked to eating disorders. Social and cultural pressure to be thin can increase body dissatisfaction, which may fuel disordered eating. Restrictive dieting also plays a part. The more someone deprives themselves, the more likely they are to binge later on.
What Are the Signs of BED?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) includes emotional and behavioral signs that can impact daily life. These patterns may feel confusing or hard to explain. But tracking one’s behavior can help shed light on patterns of behavior.
Common signs of BED include:
- Eating in secret: This often happens because of embarrassment around eating activities or a fear of being judged.
- Hiding or hoarding food: People may store snacks or meals to eat privately later.
- Avoiding meals with others: Eating around others may feel stressful or uncomfortable.
- Feeling out of control while eating: It may feel impossible to stop eating even when full.
- Eating when not hungry: Eating may happen out of boredom, stress, or emotional need.
- Feeling guilt, shame, or sadness after eating: Many people feel regret once a binge ends.
- Skipping meals: Some people try to “compensate” for a binge by not eating later in the day.
- Labeling foods as morally “good” or “bad”: This can lead to strict rules and feelings of failure.
- Frequent body checking: This can include constantly weighing oneself or frequently examining the body in mirrors.
- Worrying about weight or appearance: Thoughts about one’s body size or shape may take over a person’s entire mindset.
- Physical discomfort: Bloating or stomach pain can follow a binge.
- Emotional distress: Someone may feel trapped in a cycle of binge eating, with no clear way to break free.
How is Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosed?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is diagnosed by a qualified mental health or medical professional. The process typically begins with a thorough assessment of a person’s eating patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses around food. The provider may ask specific questions about how often binges occur and what typically happens during those episodes.
According to diagnostic guidelines, a person must experience at least one binge episode per week for three months to meet the criteria for BED. These episodes are characterized by consuming a large amount of food in a short period, significantly more than most people would typically consume in a similar setting.
A key feature of BED is the sense of loss of control during these episodes. People may eat rapidly, continue eating beyond the point of physical fullness, or eat when not physically hungry. Emotional reactions afterward may include guilt, frustration, or emotional distress. The diagnostic process may also include screening for co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.
Weight and body size are not part of the diagnostic criteria for BED, as it can occur in people of all shapes and sizes. But physical exams and lab tests may also be performed to assess any related health issues and inform treatment planning.
Treatment Options for BED
Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is available, and it can be very effective. Many individuals find that combining therapy, nutrition guidance, and sustainable lifestyle habits helps them manage binge eating more effectively
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and well-researched options. It allows individuals to notice and reshape harmful thought patterns that may trigger binge eating episodes. CBT also teaches healthier coping strategies and supports long-term behavior change.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) may also be helpful, especially for those struggling with strong emotions. DBT focuses on building emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance skills.
Group therapy, especially groups that focus on eating disorders, offers a space where individuals can connect with others who understand their experiences. This creates a sense of belonging and support. It allows people to share experiences, gain insight, and feel less alone.
Nutritional counseling plays a key role in recovery by helping individuals develop a balanced approach to eating and rebuild their relationship with food. A registered dietitian can help individuals develop balanced eating habits and help ease any food-related guilt or confusion. Certain medications may help reduce binge eating directly. Lifestyle habits like better sleep, stress management, and mindful eating also support recovery.
Receive Mental Health Support at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery
At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, we understand the challenges of living with an eating disorder. Our team offers guidance in a respectful, understanding environment where you can take steps toward lasting change. We offer therapy, nutrition counseling, and emotional support that fits your individual needs.
Each person’s experience with BED is unique, so we create personalized treatment plans that support long-term healing. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based care that treats both the mind and body. We know recovery isn’t just about food — it’s about reclaiming confidence, peace, and self-worth.
Whether this is your first time seeking help or you’ve tried before, you are welcome here. We believe that every person deserves to live without shame or fear around eating. Contact us at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery today to learn how we can help you take the next step.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
