Binge eating disorder is the most common, and most misunderstood eating disorder. Culturally and medically, there are many myths about binge eating that keep people who are struggling from getting the help and treatment they need to heal. Overcoming binge eating disorder is possible when you work with professionals who understand that binge eating is a serious and complicated condition that can’t be healed by “willpower” alone.

Myth 1: Not that many people have binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the US, affecting more than 2.8 million Americans. Binge eating affects close the three times the number of people diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia combined. Binge eating disorder is most common in women, but can affect people of all genders, ages, races, and socioeconomic status.

Myth 2: Binge eating is just overeating

Everyone overeats on occasion. It’s not uncommon to eat past fullness on holidays like Thanksgiving, or when something you’re eating tastes really delicious. Binge eating disorder is different. Binge eating is characterized by eating large amounts of food in a short period time at least once a week for at least three months. During and after a binge episode, the individual feels a loss of control, guilt, shame, and embarrassment. Embarrassment often drives people with binge eating disorder to eat in secret, which only exacerbates the sense of isolation and defeat they feel after a binge episode.

Myth 3: Someone with binge eating doesn’t restrict

Although bingeing is characterized by eating large amounts of food over a short period, many people don’t understand that binge behaviors are often driven by periods of restriction. Most people with binge eating disorder experience something called the “binge-restrict” cycle, where they attempt to reduce their intake in an attempt to lose weight or “make up for” their binge episodes, which only fuels overeating in the future. Treatment for binge eating disorder often requires the individual to eat more, eat more regularly, and allow themselves to eat more “off limits” foods through a process called “habituation.”

Myth 4: Overcoming binge eating just requires “willpower”

“Willpower,” or self-control, is not a cure for binge eating disorder. Overcoming binge eating requires a supportive health care team who can properly diagnose and refer you to the correct level of care. On that healthcare team will be a registered dietitian who can help you devise an eating plan with consistent, adequate, and balanced meals. Your registered dietitian can also help you challenge food rules, navigate food “habituation,” and help you regain confidence eating your favorite foods in moderation. Also on that healthcare team should be a therapist who can help you process difficult emotions that may also drive binge episodes.  

Myth 5: Only people in larger bodies struggle with binge eating

People of all body sizes and shapes can struggle with binge eating—just like people of all body sizes and shapes can struggles with anorexia or bulimia. It is impossible to diagnose someone with an eating disorder by their appearance or weight alone. That said, people in larger bodies with binge eating disorder often cite feeling too ashamed to seek help because of their body size. No matter what size your body is, you are deserving of compassionate, effective eating disorder treatment.

Myth 6: The cure for binge eating is dieting and weight loss

Just like willpower and self-control, diets and weight loss will not cure binge eating disorder. In fact, those with binge eating disorder who attempt to diet may actually exacerbate their symptoms and make their eating disorder worse. This is because dieting and weight loss emphasizes restrictive eating which fuels the binge-restrict cycle. Overcoming binge eating disorder means putting weight loss desires aside in favor of nourishing your body and practicing body acceptance.

Myth 7: Binge eating isn’t a serious medical condition

Binge eating disorder can dramatically impact the quality of someone’s life. It can evoke feelings of anxiety, depression, shame, embarrassment, loneliness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, all negatively impacting mental health. Yet despite the serious nature of the condition, less than half of those diagnosed with binge eating will seek treatment as a result of medical weight stigma. It’s important to advocate for yourself or your loved one with binge eating so you can get the treatment you deserve and need to heal.

What to do if you think you have binge eating disorder

Do you think you or a loved one is struggling with binge eating disorder? Reach out to our team of specialized eating disorder dietitians for an assessment today. We will review the frequency and intensity of your disordered thoughts and behaviors and recommend next steps and resources to get you on the way to recovery. Remember, getting help sooner rather than later can improve treatment success, so don’t wait.