top of page
Search

What to Know About Binge Eating Disorder from a New Jersey Eating Disorder Therapist

By: Gabrielle Morreale M.A. LPC.


When discussing eating disorders, binge eating often receives less attention than conditions like anorexia or bulimia. However, binge eating disorder (BED) is not only the most common eating disorder in the United States, but also one of the most emotionally and physically distressing. As an eating disorder therapist this is a disorder, I have to privilege of helping individuals navigate often. If you're struggling with disordered eating or binge eating or wondering whether your struggles with food may indicate a deeper issue, this blog is for you!! This will hopefully offer helpful information, support, and resources.


What Is Binge Eating Disorder?


Binge eating disorder is a recognized and serious mental health condition, characterized by recurring episodes of eating large quantities of food—often very quickly and to the point of discomfort. These episodes are accompanied by feelings of loss of control, shame, and guilt. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating is not followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Diagnostic Criteria for BED (DSM-5)


To be diagnosed with BED, individuals typically:

  • Experience recurrent binge eating episodes, at least once a week for three months

  • Eating large amounts of food, more food than most people would in a similar timeframe under similar circumstances

  • Feeling a loss of control during the episode

  • Suffer from distress, guilt, or embarrassment afterward

  • May binge alone to avoid judgment

  • No compensatory behaviors present (purging, over exercising, ect…) 


Who Does Binge Eating Disorder Affect?


Eating disorders like binge eating do not discriminate. It can affect people of every gender, age, race, body size, and socioeconomic background. While some may assume that eating disorders only affect certain individuals the reality is that binge eating disorder as well as all eating disorders can affect can effect anyone at any size. Eating disorders don’t have a size. 

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), BED affects approximately 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents in the U.S. It is more prevalent than anorexia and bulimia combined. As mentioned above binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. You are not alone. 



Emotional and Mental Health Impacts


When exploring the intersection of eating disorders, binge eating, and mental health, it's clear that BED rarely exists in isolation. It’s commonly associated with:


  • Depression and anxiety

  • Low self-esteem

  • Body image issues

  • Past trauma or abuse

  • Emotional dysregulation


As a therapist  I often see that individuals use binge eating as a coping mechanism or to create a sense of safety. If this is you this ok. Let’s find better ways. If you’re struggling with some tough emotions or stress, creating a harmful cycle of shame and avoidance lets talk! You don’t have to use food to heal or take it out of your body. You deserve to have peace with food. You CAN have peace with food. 

If you think you might be experiencing binge eating or any eating distress, consider using our self-assessment tool https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/do-i-have-an-eating-disorder-free-quiz



Physical Health Risks of BED


While the emotional impact of BED is significant, the physical consequences can also be challenging. BED may increase the risk of:


  • Type 2 diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Heart disease

  • Sleep apnea

  • Gastrointestinal problems


Please note these are just some of the physical health risks and everyone’s body maybe impacted differently. It is important to work with a team and a medical doctor to monitor and heal from any physical complications. 


Causes and Risk Factors


The causes of binge eating disorder like most eating disorders is unknown. However, what we do know is that binge eating disorder like other eating disorders  are complex and multifaceted. BED often develops through a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors:


Biological Factors

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Brain chemistry imbalances (e.g., serotonin or dopamine)

  • Hormonal irregularities


Psychological Factors

  • Low self-esteem

  • Trauma

  • Perfectionism

  • History of other mental health struggles


Environmental and Social Factors

  • Childhood trauma or abuse

  • Cultural pressures about body image (Thanks diet culture) 

  • Restrictive dieting

  • Weight stigma or bullying


Healing will take time and work but it is possible, especially when you are able to work with an eating disorder therapist, an eating disorder therapist and an eating disorder PCP as well as other supports when possible. In my work I have seen the most success with a multidisciplinary team. However, any step towards recovery is brave. 



Signs You May Be Struggling with Binge Eating Disorder

You might be struggling with BED if you:

  • Eat rapidly and feel unable to stop

  • Eat when not hungry or until uncomfortably full

  • Hide food or eat in secret

  • Feel numb or "checked out" during binge episodes

  • Experience extreme guilt or shame after eating

  • Try and fail to follow strict dieting rules, leading to another binge


If these signs feel familiar, seeking support can be life-changing. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders offers accessible education and support services. We also offer support and specialize in binge eating disorders. All of our therapist and our RD’s are currently accepting clients currently. https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/



Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder


The positive news is that binge eating disorder is treatable, and many people recover with proper care and support. In our scope of practice we have the privilege of seeing clients heal often. We believe the most effective treatments for BED are evidence-based and tailored to the individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs. That said we acknowledge seeking help is not only brave it is a privilege. Any step towards recovery is courageous, below are just a few suggestions for how to being your healing journey. 


1. Find an Eating Disorder Therapist 

Eating disorders are unique to the individual and should be treated as such. Therefore, finding a therapist who is a true specialist can make all the difference. 


2. Medication

In some cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be helpful. Discuss options with a psychiatrist NP or primary care provider.


3. Nutritional Counseling

Registered dietitians who specialize in eating disorders can help individuals:

  • Build consistent eating habits

  • Ditch diet culture and restrictive diets

  • Learn intuitive eating principles


4. Support Groups and Peer Communities

Being surrounded by others who understand the challenges of BED can offer encouragement and connection. Explore:

What You Can Do If You're Struggling Tips from a Recovered Professional 

If you believe you may be dealing with binge eating disorder:

  1. Reach out for help – Contact a licensed therapist, physician, or registered dietitian. As I mentioned above we are currently accepting clients. Feel free to reach out today! https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/contact

  2. Educate yourself – Read from reputable sources like our blogs https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/blog and free learning tools https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/free-resources or Eating Disorder Hope

  3. Avoid self-blame – Binge eating disorder or any eating disorder for that matter,  is not about willpower. It's a complex condition that requires compassion and professional care.

  4. Be patient – Recovery is a journey, and progress may take time. You are worthy of healing and you CAN recover! 



Helping a Loved One With Binge Eating Disorder

If someone you love is showing signs of eating disorders like binge eating, offer support without judgment. Here are a few tips:

  • Use non-critical language

  • Encourage professional help, but don’t pressure them

  • Educate yourself about BED

  • Validate their feelings

  • Avoid making comments about weight or appearance



Final Thoughts

You are not alone! There is no shame and wherever you maybe in your eating disorder you can recover! In the broader conversation about eating disorders, binge eating deserves more visibility, compassion, and treatment access. As a eating disorder therapist and survivor I believe with increased awareness, accessible care, and open conversation, those struggling with binge eating disorder or disordered eating can find healing and hope. You’ve got this!! =)



Other Mental Health Services Offered in PA, NJ, DE, SC, MD, CT, VT, and FL


We offer a wide variety of services related to eating disorder recovery including trauma therapy!  We offer Weekly Support Groups, Nutrition Services,  and Family and Parent Therapy as well as Coaching, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. We offer our services for Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, and Orthorexia as well as Maternal Mental Health, and eating disorder therapy for athletes online in New Jersey, Delaware, South Carolina, Maryland, Florida, Vermont, and Connecticut! We are here to offer our support and understanding in a safe and non-judgmental environment.


We have immediate openings right now for eating disorder therapy in:

Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland South Carolina, Connecticut, Vermont, and Pennsylvania.

And recovery coaching worldwide.



Recovered and Restored is an eating disorder therapy center founded by Gabrielle Morreale, LPC. We specialize in helping teens and young women heal from eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, and binge eating disorder and treat disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. We provide eating disorder therapy in the towns of Horsham, Upper Gwynedd, Lower Gwynedd, North Wales, Lansdale, Hatfield, Blue Bell, Doylestown, and nearby towns with eating disorder therapy. Also providing virtual eating disorder therapy in New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida. Some towns served virtually but are not limited to Pittsburg, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Center City, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Mount Laurel, Cape May, Avalon, Brick, Dover, New Castle, Bethany Beach, Marydel, and Oceanvie


 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page