Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms: How to Identify Them in Yourself or a Loved One

Binge eating disorder (BED) is one of the most common yet misunderstood eating disorders today. Often masked by secrecy, shame, or the misconception that it’s simply “overeating,” BED can have a profound emotional and physical impact on those affected.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship with food feels out of control—or if you’re concerned about a loved one’s eating habits—you’re not alone. Recognizing the signs of binge eating disorder is the first courageous step toward healing and support.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the hallmark symptoms of BED, how to tell the difference between occasional overeating and a clinical condition, and what you can do if you recognize these patterns in yourself or someone close to you.

Binge eating disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurring episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food, often very quickly and to the point of physical discomfort, while feeling a loss of control during these episodes. Unlike bulimia, individuals with BED do not regularly engage in compensatory behaviors like purging, excessive exercise, or fasting.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), BED is a legitimate diagnosis that affects people of all ages, body types, genders, and backgrounds. It’s not a matter of willpower. It’s a serious disorder that deserves understanding, compassion, and professional care.

BED often thrives in secrecy. Many people live with the disorder for years without a diagnosis, carrying feelings of shame or believing they’re “not disciplined enough,” rather than recognizing it as a health concern that deserves compassion and care.

But BED is not a personal failure; it’s a treatable condition.

When left unaddressed, BED can lead to long-term physical health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, and type 2 diabetes. Equally important are the emotional consequences: chronic anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Catching the signs early can lead to earlier treatment and more hopeful outcomes.

BED behaviors often revolve around patterns of secrecy, disconnection, and attempts to regain control through restriction. Common behavioral symptoms include:

• Eating large quantities of food in a short period of time, often in secret
• Eating more rapidly than usual, sometimes to the point of discomfort
• Feeling unable to stop eating, even when not physically hungry
• Hiding food or eating alone due to embarrassment or shame
• Alternating between periods of restriction and bingeing

These episodes aren’t simply about hunger or indulgence—they’re usually tied to emotional triggers, trauma, or deep distress.

BED is more than a behavioral issue. It’s often fueled by complex emotional patterns that may include:

• Persistent guilt, shame, or disgust after eating
• Feelings of powerlessness or loss of control during binges
• Frequent distress or anxiety related to eating, body image, or weight
• Low self-esteem, often rooted in harsh self-judgment or past experiences
• Using food as a coping mechanism for stress, loneliness, or emotional pain

Many individuals report feeling “numb” or disconnected while bingeing, followed by a flood of regret and shame.

While BED does not always result in noticeable physical changes, it can lead to health issues over time, including:

• Weight fluctuations or unexplained weight gain
• Fatigue, especially after binge episodes
• Stomach pain or digestive problems
• Sleep disturbances
• Avoidance of physical activity or discomfort with body movement

These symptoms can be subtle at first, which is why emotional and behavioral patterns often offer the clearest signals.

“I’m not sure if it’s just overeating.”

Everyone overeats occasionally. Binge eating disorder involves a consistent pattern of distressing episodes, often accompanied by emotional pain and a loss of control.

Binge eating disorder is often hidden, making it challenging to spot in someone else. But there are signs you can gently look out for, including:

• Changes in mood, especially irritability or withdrawal after meals
• Avoidance of meals with others or frequent excuses for eating alone
• Unusual secrecy around food, food wrappers, or kitchen habits
• Frequent cycles of strict dieting followed by episodes of overeating
• Comments about feeling “out of control” or “disgusted” with themselves

If you notice these signs, it’s essential to approach the conversation with empathy, rather than judgment. Avoid focusing on food or weight. Instead, express concern for their emotional well-being.

Try saying something like:

“I’ve noticed you seem stressed lately. I care about you and want to support you—are you okay?”

If you notice these patterns in yourself or someone you care about, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next. Here’s where to start:

• Validate your experience: BED is a real condition, not a personal flaw.
• Avoid self-diagnosing or blaming: Focus on awareness, not judgment.
• Reach out for help: A therapist, doctor, or eating disorder specialist can provide clarity and guidance.
• Learn more: Educating yourself about BED is an empowering first step.

At NewCircle, we offer compassionate, inclusive care tailored to each individual’s needs. Our team understands the complexity of eating disorders and is here to walk with you through every step of recovery.

Living with binge eating disorder can feel like an invisible burden—one that’s heavy with shame, confusion, or silence. Most of the time, you’re constantly at odds with yourself, unsure where to turn next. But healing doesn’t have to mean becoming someone else. It can mean returning to yourself with more compassion, clarity, and strength.

If you see yourself or someone you love in these symptoms, know this: there is nothing wrong with you. You are not broken. You are responding to pain in the only way you’ve known how—and it’s okay to ask for something different now.

At NewCircle, we create a space where you can be seen without judgment and supported with care that honors your lived experience. Recovery isn’t about control. It’s about connection, self-trust, and learning to breathe again.

You’ve carried enough. Let’s begin the process of letting go.

Contact us today and take the first step toward a life rooted in balance, not shame.

Sources:

1. National Eating Disorders Association. (n.d.). Binge eating disorder. National Eating Disorders Association. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/binge-eating-disorder/ 
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Binge eating disorder. Cleveland Clinic.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17652-binge-eating-disorder
3. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Binge eating disorder [MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003265.htm