Binge Eating Disorders

There’s no single reason why someone develops BED. It’s typically a combination of genetic, psychological, social and cultural factors.

Genetic factors

If someone in your family has struggled with BED, you may be at higher risk. Here’s why:

· Certain genetic and neurobiological traits can increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder.

· Hormones that regulate hunger and fullness can impact your relationship with food.

Psychological factors

Certain emotional and psychological traits can lead someone to begin binge eating. For example:

· Low self-esteem

· Negative body image

· Feelings of loneliness or inadequacy

Many people with BED also struggle with mood or anxiety disorders, have experienced trauma or face challenges navigating life changes or developmental milestones.

Social and cultural factors

There’s a harmful misconception that BED only affects people in larger bodies and that people in larger bodies can’t experience restrictive eating disorders. These beliefs can reinforce disordered thoughts and behaviors, often causing shame or embarrassment around food and body image.

The truth is that eating disorders don’t discriminate — they impact people of all shapes and sizes. You can’t tell if someone has an eating disorder simply by looking at them. Unfortunately, pervasive weight stigma remains a significant socio-cultural factor that contributes to the development of BED.

BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, yet it is still misunderstood and often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. While you cannot tell if someone has BED just by looking at them, people living in larger bodies often face weight stigma when seeking medical or behavioral health services. Instead of recognizing the eating disorder, they are frequently dismissed with advice to lose weight — making it even harder to get the support they need.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with binge eating, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Recovery is possible with the right support.

For too long, people with BED, especially those in larger bodies, have been guided toward weight loss programs that often make their disorder worse. Focusing on food restriction or increasing exercise can reinforce feelings of shame about food and body image rather than addressing the root cause of the behavior.

Eating Recovery Center (ERC) and the Eating Disorder Foundation provide specialized treatment for BED and support for all other eating disorders. ERC’s weight-inclusive approach prioritizes health and nutrition, not weight — helping you understand and address the underlying factors behind binge eating. Our programs focus on mindful eating, body neutrality, and the “all foods fit” philosophy. With guidance from leading binge-eating experts, you can break free from restrictive food rules and diet mindsets — and live the meaningful, fulfilling life you deserve.