Some of the warning signs and behaviors associated with binge eating disorder include:

• Rapid weight gain
• Constant weight fluctuations
• Coping with distress by eating
• Loss of control over eating
• Avoiding social situations - especially those involving food
• Mood swings
• Eating large amounts of food late at night
• Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
• Eating abnormally large amount of food in short period of time
• Eating more rapidly than normal
• Secretive eating because of embarrassment
• Feelings of self-disgust, depression or guilt about bingeing
• Continuing to eat after feeling full, even if it causes discomfort

People with BED will exhibit at least three of these behaviors. However, remember that these examples do not provide a diagnosis. If you think you may have binge eating disorder, or want help overcoming even mild binge eating problems, speak to a health professional.

There are many psychological, cultural, and biological factors that contribute to binge eating disorder. Underlying issues associated with BED and other eating disorders include depression, diminished self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, inability to cope with or communicate feelings, feelings of loss of control, and anxiety. Binge eating may be used as a coping mechanism for these issues.

For females
Our cultural preoccupation with female slimness and perfection is a clear contributor to eating disorders. Because full and healthy female figures are not valued by our society, women mistreat their bodies both in pursuit of an unattainable slimness, and out of guilt that they can’t fulfill the images of perfection surrounding them.

According to Louise Freedman, an eating disorders therapist interviewed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, repressed anger is a compelling factor in many females with binge eating disorder. Freedman explains that in families where anger is not allowed to be expressed by a child to a parent, that child will instead process it through secret binge eating, starvation, or self-induced vomiting; the disorder is like a silent rage against the nurturer. Most parents still teach (whether consciously or not) that a good girl keeps her anger to herself. Freedman believes that parents who encourage their daughters to express their anger instead, might actually help prevent them from turning toward the violent cycles of binge eating.