Learning How To Stop Binge Eating: A Guide

Medically reviewed by Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D.
Updated October 10, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Binge eating disorder (BED) is currently thought to affect 2.8 million people in the United States alone. While many people have addictions, food may be significantly easier to find than other addictive substances — and may potentially be more difficult to quit since we need it to survive. 

This type of eating disorder can be responsive to therapeutic intervention, giving many who live with it the possibility of a healthier and more fulfilling experience. 

Read on to learn more about BED and the different ways one can find a higher quality of life or peace with their personal diets and experiences. 

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Are you experiencing binge eating disorder?

What is a binge eating disorder?

Binge eating can be a component of other eating disorders, or it may be a standalone experience for the person living with it. About 1%-3% of the general population experience this disorder, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. Individuals of all races, identities and ethnicities can experience this disorder.

Some of the primary symptoms of binge eating disorder (BED) can include eating when alone, eating until uncomfortable, eating when not hungry, eating very quickly or feeling depressed and guilty about eating too much. When you have a binge eating disorder, you may eat large amounts of food at one time. 

This disorder does not have to include purging or excessive laxative use as bulimia does, so weight gain can happen easily.

Approaches to binge eating treatment

One approach to changing binge eating can be to address weight issues first. This may help the person with the disorder improve their self-esteem, which can naturally lead to motivation for changing the thinking and emotions behind the habit. This approach can start with a healthy eating plan, accountability for following that plan, and support as one goes through the process.

The other option can be to start with the psychological problems that may be associated with binge eating before working on weight loss. The theory behind this method is that once the mental health issues have been dealt with appropriately, the person may stop binge eating, which can also lead to weight loss naturally as the body corrects. 

Interpersonal psychotherapy can be used to overcome common issues that may result in binge eating. Antidepressants can sometimes also be prescribed, if warranted, but medication recommendations should only come from a certified medical professional.

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Interpersonal psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can be used with or without medications as a treatment for binge eating disorder. Interpersonal psychotherapy was originally designed to help with depression. Practitioners found that it can also be helpful in treating BED, especially if troubled relationships are a trigger for the disorder. 

The Society of Clinical Psychology recommends a 20-week course of interpersonal psychotherapy for the treatment of binge eating if this is the form of therapy being pursued.

During the first sessions using this method, the patient may work with the therapist to identify interpersonal problems that may result in binge eating. These may pertain to one’s role in a relationship, transitions from one role to another, problems forming and sustaining relationships or grief over a loss that hasn’t yet fully accepted.

In the next sessions, the counselor can then guide the patient as they come up with practical ways of creating change within one’s relationships. 

Cognitive behavior therapy

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been used for a wide range of psychological problems. When it's used to help stop binge eating symptoms, however, the focus may be on eating behaviors.

One of the reasons CBT can work as a treatment for binge eating is that it can address the thinking patterns that are closely related to body weight. For example: People with eating disorders may want to be thinner and may fear being overweight or obese. These ideas can cause extreme emotional stress in people with BED, potentially stimulating a higher focus on one’s weight. Cognitive behavioral therapy can take this focus and shift it to healthier thought patterns, slowly reworking one’s perception of self to a more positive and healthy thing. 

Cognitive behavior therapy that is specifically designed for people with binge eating disorder is known as CBT-BED. This therapy has been scientifically suggested to be effective for reducing symptoms of the disorder, but not for reducing weight specifically. Therefore, it may be used in conjunction with binge eating medications and other forms of therapeutic intervention.

Therapists using CBT-BED can also teach patients coping skills to replace the coping mechanism that binge eating can be for some. It may also help you improve your self-esteem, reduce perfectionistic tendencies, and overcome interpersonal problems.

Is online therapy effective for binge eating disorder?

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Are you experiencing binge eating disorder?

Research currently suggests that online therapy can help people recover from binge eating disorder. In a broad-based review published in the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, researchers examined the overall usefulness of online therapy when addressing symptoms of eating disorders. Results were taken from eight studies, including over 600 participants, the majority of which focused on the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). 

According to the published results, researchers found that online therapy is an effective means of treating symptoms of eating disorders, such as BED. They also acknowledged that CBT can treat eating disorders by helping individuals reframe negative thought patterns that lead to problematic behaviors and emotions, such as the desire to binge eat. The mental health professionals at BetterHelp can provide you with guidance when you want to work through an eating disorder. 

How can online therapy support those living in bed?

Binge eating disorder can make simple tasks seem overwhelming. Leaving the house to connect with a therapist in person can feel out of reach, especially if someone is currently feeling shame for the symptoms they’re experiencing. Online therapy can present a sleek and discrete alternative, connecting you with at therapist through any smart device.

Takeaway

Learning how to stop binge eating generally starts by acknowledging and accepting the potentially triggering feelings. Therapists can help one do this in a healthy and risk-reduced way. BetterHelp can connect you with a therapist in your specific area of need.
Healing from eating disorders is possible
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