Binge eating

Binge eating is an eating disorder which makes people feel the need to eat a lot of food in one go, even if they are not feeling hungry. If this happens to you, it is not your fault and we can help.

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What is binge eating?

Binge eating is when someone eats a lot of food in a short space of time, leaving them feeling uncomfortably full. Most of us eat too much sometimes. But binge eating is different. It’s often a way to deal with difficult emotions such as feeling sad, stressed or worried.

This can happen because of feelings that are difficult to cope with. Sometimes people will plan to binge eat, but not always.

Lots of people struggle with binge eating, and some people feel like they need to keep it secret. It’s always okay to ask for support with what’s happening, you’re not alone. 

4 things about binge eating: 

  • binge eating is also sometimes called 'compulsive overeating'
  • binge eating can affect anyone
  • difficult thoughts or feelings can sometimes trigger binge eating
  • if you feel your eating is out of control, it's always okay to ask for help.

RECOVERING FROM BINGE EATING

When you feel like your eating is out of control, it’s important to get support. It might be that things in your life are feeling stressful or overwhelming, or that you’re feeling low or down about yourself.

Making positive changes in your life and getting the right support can help you to cope and recover. Check out our video below, as well as these things to help:

 

Recovering from an eating disorder

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Get support if you're affected by binge eating

How much is healthy to eat?

What’s a healthy amount to eat can be different for everyone. It depends on your:

  • age
  • how much you exercise
  • your metabolism.

Eating healthily means making sure your diet is balanced – this is all about eating different types of food. Find out more about staying healthy.

If you’re unsure about how much you’re eating or want some advice, you can talk to a doctor for help and support.

Coping with difficult feelings

Binge eating can often be a way to cope when things feel out of control or overwhelming. It can help to think about new ways to cope.

Why not try:

  • Getting feelings out: Talk about them, write about it, draw it. Taking time to focus on how you’re feeling and get it out can help you feel more able to cope.
  • Be open with people you trust: Lots of young people hide how you’re truly feeling, but you don’t have to. Sharing what’s going on with people you trust can help you feel connected and give you new ways cope. Don’t know who to talk to? We’re here to support you.
  • Distract yourself: Whether it’s for 30 seconds or an hour, distractions can help you manage until your feelings start to pass. We’ve got loads of ideas to get you started.
  • Urge surfing: When you have an urge to binge, stop and don’t do anything. Just focus on the urge, how it feels, and start to notice how it rises and falls. Lots of people notice that the urge will start to pass, even when you don’t act on it.
  • Be kind to yourself: Shame and guilt can make it harder to get support or change things in the future. Let go of your guilt and take time to build your self-esteem.

Helping a friend who binge eats

Showing a friend you accept and want to support them can make it easier for them to cope.

Here are 5 ways you can support a friend who binge eats:

Questions about binge eating

The best way to get professional support is from your GP. They can talk to you about what’s happening and support you with diagnosis and treatment.

If you’re not able to see your GP or you’re worried about it, you can start off by asking an adult you trust at home, school, or wherever you feel comfortable.