Dispelling the Myths of Binge Eating Disorder: What You Need to Know

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States, yet it remains widely misunderstood, stigmatized, and underdiagnosed. Because BED doesn't always fit the stereotypical image of an eating disorder—and because it’s often tangled with shame and secrecy—many people suffer in silence, believing their struggle is a matter of willpower or weakness.

In reality, BED is a serious, biologically based mental health disorder that deserves compassionate, evidence-based care. In this post, we’ll challenge common myths and replace them with accurate, respectful information to help reduce stigma and promote healing.

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by:

• Recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short time, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort

• A sense of loss of control during the episode

• Intense distress, guilt, or shame afterward

• No regular use of compensatory behaviors (e.g., vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting)

BED affects people of all genders, body sizes, races, and ages, and is officially recognized in the DSM-5 as a distinct eating disorder.

Myth #1: “BED is just a lack of willpower.”

Truth: Binge Eating Disorder is not about self-control—it’s a mental health condition influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Research shows that individuals with BED often have:

• Differences in dopamine signaling (affecting reward and impulse regulation)

• Genetic predispositions to eating disorders and mood disorders

• Histories of trauma, dieting, or food insecurity

BED is not a choice. It is a disorder that requires support and evidence-based treatment—not shame or discipline.

“BED is a complex, multifactorial illness that does not stem from personal failure.” — Hudson et al., 2007

Myth #2: “Only people in larger bodies have BED.”

Truth: BED can affect individuals of all body sizes. While it is more commonly associated with higher body weights, many individuals with BED fall within “normal” or lower BMI ranges.

This myth contributes to:

• Underdiagnosis in people with lower weight

• Dismissal of symptoms in higher-weight individuals

• Misguided treatment plans focused solely on weight loss

Focusing on body size instead of behaviors leads to missed diagnoses and harmful care.

Myth #3: “Binge eating means eating all day.”

Truth: BED involves discrete episodes of loss-of-control eating, often in a short time frame (e.g., within 2 hours). It’s not the same as general overeating or emotional eating.

Key features of a binge:

• Feeling out of control

• Eating more than most would in similar circumstances

• Rapid or secretive eating

• Emotional distress, numbness, or dissociation during and after

Eating large meals occasionally, enjoying dessert, or eating for comfort does not mean someone has BED.

Myth #4: “Weight loss is the goal of BED treatment.”

Truth: The goal of BED treatment is not weight loss, but reducing binge frequency, improving emotional regulation, and healing the relationship with food and body.

Weight-focused approaches:

• Often worsen binge episodes through restriction

• Reinforce diet-binge cycles

• Increase shame and disconnection from hunger/fullness cues

Evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Intuitive Eating help individuals rebuild trust with their bodies—without focusing on weight as a measure of success.

Myth #5: “BED is not as serious as anorexia or bulimia.”

Truth: BED can have significant physical, emotional, and social consequences. It is associated with:

• Depression and anxiety

• Diabetes, heart disease, and sleep issues

• High levels of shame, isolation, and self-criticism

• Impaired functioning in relationships and daily life

BED has similar levels of psychological distress and impairment as anorexia and bulimia (Udo & Grilo, 2018). It is not a “lesser” disorder and deserves equal access to care.

Myth #6: “You just need to stop keeping binge foods in the house.”

Truth: BED is not cured by removing trigger foods. In fact, restricting certain foods often increases the urge to binge due to the “forbidden food” effect.

Sustainable recovery comes from:

• Neutralizing all foods

• Honoring hunger and fullness cues

• Practicing emotional regulation skills

• Addressing underlying thoughts and beliefs, not just symptoms

This is why many treatment approaches incorporate exposure to feared foods in a safe, supported environment.

What Helps: Evidence-Based Treatments for BED

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-BED)
  Helps identify and restructure thoughts and patterns that lead to binge episodes.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  Focuses on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.

• Intuitive Eating and HAES-aligned approaches
  Foster body trust, reduce restriction, and rebuild a peaceful relationship with food.

• Medication support
  Options like lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or certain SSRIs can reduce binge frequency for some individuals, under medical supervision.

• Group and individual therapy
  Reduce shame, provide accountability, and promote connection.

Final Thoughts

Binge Eating Disorder is real, valid, and deserving of compassionate treatment. The myths that surround BED only deepen stigma and keep people from seeking help.

Recovery is not about discipline, dieting, or changing your body. It’s about healing your relationship with food, navigating emotions with care, and coming home to yourself—without shame.

References

• Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348–358.

• Udo, T., & Grilo, C. M. (2018). Prevalence and correlates of DSM-5–defined eating disorders in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Biological Psychiatry, 84(5), 345–354.

• Wilson, G. T., Grilo, C. M., & Vitousek, K. (2007). Psychological treatment of eating disorders. American Psychologist, 62(3), 199–216.

• Tribole, E., & Resch, E. (2020). Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach (4th ed.).

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).