Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms, Signs and Red Flags

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 and learn more about potential causes, health risks, diagnosis, and treatment.

Walden Can Help with Binge Eating Recovery.

If you are concerned that you – or a loved one – may have an eating disorder, we are here to help. Please call (888) 228-1253 to speak with a member of our admissions team, or complete the form on this page, to start the road to recovery.

Learn more about our virtual Free to Be intensive outpatient program for adults who struggle with binge eating disorder, emotional eating, compulsive eating, and food addiction. This virtual treatment program is flexible, offering both daytime and evening programming, so get started on your path to recovery today.