Monte Nido logo
Treatment
What we treat
What we treatAnorexia NervosaAtypical AnorexiaBulimia NervosaBinge Eating
See all
Who we serve
Who we serveAdolescentsAll gendersFamilies and loved onesAthletes
See more
Programs
Our programsVirtual treatmentDay treatmentResidential treatmentInpatient treatment
Admissions
AdmissionsInsurance CheckerFinancial considerationsFAQ
APPROACH
Our approachTherapeutic philosophyNutrition

Do I have an eating disorder?

This 2-minute quiz can help you see if you or your loved one might have an eating disorder.

Take the screening assessment
Locations
ArizonaArizona
CaliforniaCalifornia
ColoradoColorado
ConnecticutConnecticut
FloridaFlorida
GeorgiaGeorgia
IdahoIdaho
IllinoisIllinois
MaineMaine
MarylandMaryland
MassachusettsMassachusetts
MissouriMissouri
MontanaMontana
NevadaNevada
New HampshireNew Hampshire
New JerseyNew Jersey
New YorkNew York
North CarolinaNorth Carolina
OhioOhio
OregonOregon
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
Rhode IslandRhode Island
South CarolinaSouth Carolina
TennesseeTennessee
TexasTexas
UtahUtah
VermontVermont
VirginiaVirginia
WashingtonWashington
VirtualVirtual
a map of the united states of the united states

Discover the Nearest Location

Get matched with our nearest location by sharing a bit about yourself.

Find a locationSeek virtual care
For You
For loved ones
Arrow Right
For clients & alumni
Arrow Right
Caring for loved onesVirtual support groupsResources for loved ones
For alumni
Post-treatment supportVirtual support groups for alumniResources
Documents
Request a medical record

Latest content for loved ones

See all
May 15, 2025
Causes of Body Image Issues in Adolescence
May 12, 2025
6 Facts About Binge Eating Disorder You Might Not Have Known
May 9, 2025
What to Do If You Think Your Child Has Bulimia Nervosa

Latest content for you

See all
May 19, 2025
Eating Disorders and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
May 12, 2025
6 Facts About Binge Eating Disorder You Might Not Have Known
March 17, 2025
How a Dietitian Can Help with Eating Disorders
Placeholder
For Providers
Referrals 101
Outpatient ProvidersFacilities & Hospitals
Continuing educationMeet our Outreach Team
Refer now: Outpatient Providers
Refer now: Facilities & Hospitals

Latest content for providers

See all
May 14, 2025
Unpacking Asian American Eating Disorders and Cultural Influences
April 9, 2025
What is ARFID? Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment
March 12, 2025
Attention Needed: Navigating ADHD and Eating Disorders
About Us
About us
What Monte Nido isOur latest outcomes reportTrusted outcomesLeadershipAdvocacy
Reference
TestimonialsOur work in the newsBlog
Admissions
AdmissionsInsurance CheckerFinancial considerationsFAQ
Join
Careers
Reach out to us
888-228-1253
Reach out to us
Home
Blog
Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Binge Eating Disorder
Home
Blog
Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Binge Eating Disorder
For you
For loved ones

Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Binge Eating Disorder

March 29, 2024

3 min read

Monte Nido

This content was first published via the National Alliance for Eating Disorders.

What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?

Binge eating disorder (BED) stands out as the most prevalent eating disorder in the United States, surpassing the combined prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (NIMH). Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of uncontrollable eating, involving the consumption of large quantities of food, typically done rapidly and in secrecy. Unlike other eating disorders, individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to counteract binge eating episodes.

{{blog-button="/cta-buttons"}}

Warning signs in yourself and others

  • Shift in eating patterns, including secrecy: Have you noticed a change in eating habits? Dieting, often seen as a solution, can contribute to maintaining the binge eating cycle. Avoidance of certain foods may lead to feelings of guilt and shame, triggering binge episodes. Shame associated with eating behavior may cause the individual to develop secretive habits, such as purchasing and eating food alone, or concealing wrappers.
  • Talk around food: Has conversation about food or weight changed? Individuals with binge eating disorder may become fixated on these topics or, conversely, avoid discussing them altogether. Recognizing shifts in thoughts or behaviors is important.
  • Mood changes, shame, and guilt: Has there been a change in mood or withdrawal from family, friends and activities? Binge eating can be triggered by shifts in mood, with food serving as a temporary coping mechanism. After a binge, individuals experience intense emotional distress, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, increased depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. While discussing someone’s eating habits may feel intrusive, approaching the conversation with genuine concern, citing observed behaviors in a non-judgmental and caring manner, can facilitate a smoother discussion.
  • Meal skipping or restriction: Are they missing meals more often? Some may skip meals in an attempt to lose weight or compensate for a binge, which can exacerbate vulnerability to further episodes.

Who struggles with binge eating disorder?

Binge eating disorder can affect individuals of any age, gender, or background. Before making assumptions about someone, remember that eating disorders do not discriminate. This is critical to reducing stigma and creating a supportive environment. Seeking professional help from those trained to treat binge eating disorder is the best way to find recovery from binge eating disorder. If you or someone you know is struggling with BED, reaching out to mental health professionals or support groups can be a vital step toward recovery.

How can we change the conversation?

It’s no secret that all eating disorders come with societal stigma, and binge eating disorder is no exception. How can we change the conversation around binge eating disorders to be more supportive?

Increase awareness through education

If you think your loved one may have binge eating disorder, increase your knowledge to help dispel any myths and misconceptions that you may have yourself or that you may encounter. Additionally, listen to anyone in your life with lived experience who may be comfortable talking about their experience.

Encourage compassion through conversation

Fostering open and non-judgmental dialogues about binge eating disorder can create a more supportive and empathetic environment. Using person-first language emphasizes the individual over the disorder, an example being “a person with binge eating disorder” instead of “a binge eater.” Using stigmatizing terms and stereotypes that contribute to shame and judgement may push individuals away from asking for help. Compassionate conversations can help to establish supportive environments and safe spaces, which is imperative to recovery.

Normalize seeking help through support

Everyone with an eating disorder deserves help. Changing the conversation around binge eating disorder to be more supportive and less stigmatizing involves fostering understanding, empathy, and awareness.

Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and there is always hope on the path to recovery. Seeking out those who have recovered as inspiration and motivation to share their story can also be helpful on this journey.

At Monte Nido we recently expanded access to our specialty binge eating disorder virtual treatment program in 28 states to treat binge eating disorder, emotional eating, and compulsive overeating. The intensive outpatient program utilizes a variety of therapeutic, nutritional and medical approaches, and staff are trained to treat all clients with a body neutral approach to behavior change.

To see availability in your state, click here.

Most recent articles

illustration of people profiles
For you
May 19, 2025
7 min read

Eating Disorders and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Read more
Young girl with headphones looking mirror taking a selfie
For loved ones
May 15, 2025
8 min read

Causes of Body Image Issues in Adolescence

Read more
For providers
May 14, 2025
10 min read

Unpacking Asian American Eating Disorders and Cultural Influences

Read more
Monte Nido
Text Link
For you
For loved ones

Everybody deserves a full life

Recovery is possible for everyone. We’re here to help you get started.
  • - -
  • Level of care client is interested in

  • By submitting this form, I agree to Monte Nido's Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

  • Should be Empty:
or call
888-228-1253
to speak confidentially with one of our eating disorders specialists to start the road to recovery.
Treatment
  • What we treat
  • Who we serve
  • Our programs
  • Admissions
  • Financial considerations
  • FAQ
  • Our approach
  • Eating disorder quiz
Locations
  • All locations
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Virtual
For You
For loved ones
  • Caring for loved ones
  • Virtual support groups
  • Resources for loved ones
For clients & alumni
  • Post-treatment support
  • Virtual support groups for alumni
  • Request a medical record
  • Resources
for providers
  • Referrals 101
  • Continuing education
  • Meet our Outreach Team
About Us
  • What Monte Nido is
  • Trusted outcomes
  • Leadership
  • Advocacy
  • Testimonials
  • Our work in the news
  • Blog
  • Glossary
  • Careers
Contact Us
  • Reach out to us
  • Request a medical record
Monte Nido logo
Monte Nido Walden LogoMonte Nido Clementine LogoMonte Nido Rosewood Logo
Accredited by Joint Commission, and proud members of the Residential Eating Disorder Consortium and Eating Disorders Coalition
REDC, EDC, APA logos
888-228-1253
© 2024 Monte Nido. All rights reserved.
Accessibility Policy
Data Notification
Privacy Policy
Privacy Practices
Terms and Conditions