Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms and Signs

Binge eating disorder can result in a variety of symptoms, including heart disease, depression, anxiety and severe stress. Though many of those impacted are overweight or obese, it’s important to note cases of binge eating disorder transcend all weight ranges. The presence of a binge episode, in addition to associated feelings of shame, anxiety and distress, is what often differentiates binge eating disorder from other conditions.

Common symptoms of binge eating disorder

Physical Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

Physical signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder may include:

• Weight gain
• Fullness that reaches pain and discomfort
• Fertility issues (women)

Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

Behavioral signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder may include:

• Frequently consuming very large amounts of food
• Eating when not hungry
• Eating alone or in secrecy
• Eating rapidly
• Inability to stop eating once started
• Frequent dieting or “failed” attempt(s) at dieting
• Skipping meals or not eating much throughout the rest of the day
• Hiding food

Emotional symptoms of binge eating disorder may include:

• A feeling of being out of control during eating
• Strong dissatisfaction or self-loathing around one’s body or appearance
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Intense stress
• Low self-esteem
• Extreme shame
• Mental anguish
• Social withdrawal

Other Red Flags

Other reasons for concern with binge eating disorder include:

• Presence of wrappers or containers of food
• Skipping meals or not eating much throughout the rest of the day

Read our blog posts about binge eating disorder to learn more about symptoms, treatment and more.

We’re here to help

If you are concerned that you, or someone you love, may have an eating disorder, we are here to help. Complete the form on this page or call 888-305-2997 to speak with a Walden eating disorders intake specialist.