Eating disorder resources for families & friends

Binge eating disorder is one of the most common eating disorders that can affect teenagers. Unfortunately, binge eating disorder in teens is also one of the most difficult eating disorders to spot and diagnose. As a parent, you need to know the signs of binge eating disorder. Below is some information to help you understand this disorder and identify the symptoms. 

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What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is a serious but treatable eating disorder that most often involves periods of binging, followed by periods of shame. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. Although it affects people of all ages, it is most likely to begin in the late teens or early 20s. 

This disorder is similar to bulimia nervosa in that individuals often eat large quantities of food at one time. However, unlike people with bulimia nervosa, someone with binge eating disorder will not regularly engage in purging behaviors, such as using laxatives or inducing vomiting. People with binge eating disorder may engage in fasting from time to time in hopes of losing weight or avoiding weight gain related to binge eating episodes.

In the past, binge eating disorder was not recognized in the DSM as a unique disorder and was instead included as a subtype of “Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.” However, patients can now be accurately identified as suffering from binge eating disorder and receive a formal, specific diagnosis. This makes it much easier for patients to receive the treatment they need.

Causes and Complications of Adolescent Binge Eating Disorder

The causes of binge eating disorder are not yet completely understood. However, scientists believe that certain psychological issues and a history of long-term dieting may raise your risk of developing this disorder. It is also likely that genetics plays a role in the development of the disorder.

Some of the specific risk factors for developing binge eating disorder may include:

• Being a teenager, especially late teens
• Having low self-esteem and/or a poor body image
• Depression
• Stress
• Family history of binge eating disorder or other eating disorders

If left untreated, binge eating disorder can lead to serious complications for teens. Many people who have binge eating disorder will also develop related mental health issues related to the condition, including substance use disorders, anxiety, bipolar disorder and/or depression. This eating disorder can also lead to physical complications for teens, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, teens who have binge eating disorder may struggle with social isolation, trouble in their personal life, and a poor quality of life overall, especially if the disorder remains untreated for a long time.

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder in Teens

Most teens with binge eating disorder follow a cyclical pattern of binge eating and dieting or restriction. During binging episodes, the teen will eat a large quantity of food. The food is usually eaten quickly, and they may eat so much that they feel sick or uncomfortable. Most teens feel like they are not in control of their behavior during the episode. Afterward, the teen will feel guilty, shameful, and upset. Teens who suffer from binge eating disorder do not typically purge after they binge.

In order to be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, teens must meet several requirements. Specifically, teens must:

• Experience recurring episodes of binge eating, during which they eat a large amount of food during a specific time period. The amount of food eaten must be substantially larger than normal, and the teen must also experience a sense of loss of control during the binge
• Experience significant distress because of binging episodes
• Experience binging episodes at least once each week for at least three months
• Experience at least three of the following symptoms during a binge eating episode
  
  • Eating enough to cause discomfort
  • Eating faster than normal
  • Eating when not feeling hungry
  • Eating alone out of embarrassment
  • Feelings of guilt, depression or self-disgust

There normally won’t be a diagnosis of binge eating disorder if they use purging or other extreme behaviors to eliminate excess calories. In these cases, a different diagnosis, like bulimia nervosa, is more likely.

How to Spot Binge Eating Disorder in Teens

Many of the symptoms of binge eating disorder will be obvious only to the people with the disorder. As a parent or friend, you may not be able to see these symptoms easily. However, you may still be able to recognize the presence of binge eating disorder in a loved one by looking for certain common signs. Some of the behavioral signs of binge eating disorder that may be noticed by others include: 

• Frequent dieting, especially involving fads
• Hoarding and/or hiding food
• Unreasonable concern with weight, body shape and/or overall appearance
• Avoidance of eating in public or around other people
• Odd food rituals, such as not allowing foods to touch
• Evidence of binge episodes, such as a large amount of food disappearing
• Social withdrawal
• Sporadic episodes of fasting
• Noticeable fluctuations in weight
• Complaints of stomach pain or other gastrointestinal problems
• Trouble concentrating

It is important to note that a teen does need to have all or even most of these signs present in order to suffer from binge eating disorder. If you see any evidence that this eating disorder may be present, you need to follow up with the issue as soon as possible. It is always better to be proactive. 

What to Do If You Suspect Binge Eating Disorder

Some of the symptoms of binge eating disorder may occur occasionally when no true disorder is present. For this reason, it is important to approach this issue carefully if you believe that a teen may be suffering from binge eating disorder. If you are concerned that a teen in your life is struggling with this disorder, follow the steps below. 

1. Pay close attention to their behavior.

If you expect binge eating disorder is an issue, start paying extra attention to the teen’s behavior and make note of what you see. Document any signs of binge eating disorder in case you need to refer to them later. 

2. Talk to the teen about the issue.

When a teen is experiencing the symptoms of any eating disorder, you need to take action. These disorders can cause serious complications if they are not treated properly, and they tend to get worse over time. However, most teens will be sensitive about this issue, as binge eating disorder causes significant distress. 

When approaching a teen about binge eating disorder, don’t be confrontational. Bring up the subject gently, and resist the urge to become argumentative if the teen does not acknowledge the existence of a problem. If the teen refuses to admit a problem exists, make it clear that you are available and willing to help if they change their mind later. 

3. Reach out to professionals.

If a teen is truly suffering from binge eating disorder, professional treatment is the best course of action. If you suspect that a teen may be suffering from binge eating disorder, you need to reach out to professionals for assistance. It’s a good idea to reach out for help even if the teen is not yet willing to admit that they have a problem. 

4. Be patient.

Struggling with an eating disorder is a challenge that is difficult for anyone, but it can be especially traumatic for a teenager. It can be frustrating for loved ones to watch teens struggle, particularly if the teen does not want to get the help they need. However, the best thing you can do for the sake of the teen is to be patient and let them know you will support them during this difficult time. 

Treating Teens with Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. Without the right treatment, teens who have this disorder may experience a range of complications that continue to get worse over time. Fortunately, this disorder can be treated effectively. The treatment of binge eating disorder typically involves two separate components: medical care and psychiatric care. 

The goal of medical care for patients with binge eating disorder is to address any physical issues that may have developed because of the condition. For example, if the patient has developed certain complications, such as obesity or type 2 diabetes, medical care will be focused on treating these complications. The goal of psychiatric care is to address the disorder itself, as well as any related mental health issues. Many clients will need both types of care while they are in treatment.

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment for Teens at Monte Nido

Monte Nido provides treatment to teens who have binge eating disorders.  We utilize a holistic approach to the treatment of this disorder, which means that we aim to address all aspects of the patient’s health so they can achieve a full, lasting recovery. In addition to treating the teen who has binge eating disorder, our programs also offers supportive services to benefit loved ones. 

Monte Nido offers a wide range of services to patients, including psychotherapy, group therapy, exposure therapy, and life skills development. Our team is fully equipped to treat teens who have co-occurring mental health conditions that complicate binge eating disorder. We provide individualized treatment to every patient, structuring programs to meet the unique needs of every teen who enrolls in our program. Before discharging teens from treatment, we evaluate each patient carefully to ensure that they are ready to cope with their eating disorder outside of the facility. We also engage in individualized aftercare planning so every patient will have the resources they need to maintain their recovery and continue a healthy lifestyle. 

Recovering from binge eating disorder is never easy, but teens can make a full recovery with the right support. If you have noticed the signs of binge eating disorder in a teen in your life, seeking professional help as soon as possible is highly recommended. Please contact us today to discuss enrollment in our program or to learn more.

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Have you ever heard the old saying, “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing?”

Let's preface the following by saying this: When used moderately to maintain physical and mental health, and/or when used in conjunction with an appropriate amount of nourishment, exercise has a whole host of incredible benefits.

But in the case of exercise addiction, yes; too much of a good thing (exercise) can yield negative consequences.

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Can You Be Addicted To Exercise?

Exercise addiction is something that impacts thousands of people, and can be conceptualized like other process and substance addictions. It’s not a formal clinical diagnosis, but rather a behavioral condition often rooted within other issues – such as distorted body image or eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.

So how much exercise IS too much exercise? That can be difficult to answer without knowing the unique circumstances surrounding each individual, but here are some more universal signs to look out for.

1) Missing a workout leads to irritation, anxiety, or depression

For instance, if you notice someone or yourself getting clearly agitated or uncomfortable after missing a workout, even after a long string of consecutive days, it could be a warning sign.

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2) You work out when sick, injured, or exhausted

It is important to listen to your bodily cues. Those who have an addiction to exercise push themselves through a pulled muscle, the flu or even a stress fracture, failing to rest when it’s clearly needed.

3) Exercise becomes a way to “escape”

The primary goal is no longer balancing the mind or reducing stress. Exercise becomes a way to withdraw from certain life situations and the emotions that are brought up because of them. Clinical interventions such as talk therapy and/or expressive therapy are safe and adaptive ways to address uncomfortable emotions.

4) Workouts start to impact relationships

When you notice you/they are spending more time training than with a spouse, or opt to stay at the gym instead of attending get-togethers with friends, it could be indicative of an unhealthy relationship with exercise. As with any eating disorder, exercise addicts tend to withdraw and isolate from their friends and family in order to continue unhealthy behaviors.

5) Other priorities suffer

 In a similar vein, someone frequently misses a work deadline or child’s soccer game; again, viewing exercise as more significant/important in the grand scheme of things.

6) Happiness is re-defined

Mood or happiness are solely dictated by the outcome of the latest workout, how one’s body looks that given day or how “fit” they currently perceive themselves.

7) You continually extend workouts

 It is quite common for someone struggling with an exercise addiction to add on workouts wherever they can, whether it’s extra reps on the bench press or running home after a hard soccer practice.

8) You excessively work out

Some marathon training programs call for “two-a-days” to build mileage, but consistently doing this – without any specific training goal and without being monitored by a medical professional – could result in further mental and physical ramifications.

9) Exercise loses the element of play and fun

Dr. George Sheehan, author of Running & Being, says it perfectly, “the things we do with our bodies should be done merely because they are fun – not because they serve some serious purpose. If we are not doing something that is enjoyable on its own account we should look for something that is.” Exercise needs to be fun, not viewed as a chore or “must-do” when you simply don’t feel up to it.

When should you seek help for exercise addiction?

It’s important to note these red flags don’t necessarily mean someone is addicted to exercise; rather this is an outline of universal symptoms that CAN be indicators that a greater problem exists. If the above statements describe your experience, please consider discussing your concern with a professional.

Need an opinion? We help athletes every day.

We know finding eating disorder treatment for an athlete can be tough. Walden is here for you. If you are concerned that you, or a loved one, may have an eating disorder, please reach out to us.

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You’ve made the decision to enter eating disorder treatment — a brave, life-affirming step. But now you’re in the in-between: after the decision, before the first day. It’s a space that can feel disorienting, hopeful, exhausting, or all three at once.

You might feel like you’re waiting for your real healing to begin. And while it’s true that the full support of treatment is just ahead, this part of your journey matters, too.

Here are a few thoughts and tools to help you stay grounded, connected, and focused while you wait.

1. Name what you're feeling — without judgment

This time before eating disorder treatment can bring up a wide range of emotions: fear, relief, second-guessing, anticipation. You may wonder if you’re “sick enough,” if treatment will help, or if you’re making the right choice. These thoughts are natural and not uncommon. They're signs that you're human.

Try jotting down what you’re feeling — not to fix it, but simply to witness it. Journaling, voice notes, or talking it out with a trusted person can help make space for your emotions rather than letting them take over.

2. Practice gentle structure

You don’t have to start “fixing” anything before eating disorder treatment. But establishing some gentle structure in your day can support your sense of stability. That could look like:

• Getting outside once a day, even for five minutes

• Eating meals or snacks at consistent times (whatever that means for you right now)

• Limiting time spent researching recovery or scrolling triggering content

• Creating a small routine for morning or bedtime to help your body know you’re caring for it

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about planting small reminders that you’re worthy of care now, not just when treatment starts.

3. Connect with the part of you that chose recovery

Even if you’re feeling unsure or disconnected right now, there was a moment when you said yes to healing. That part of you still exists and can be nurtured.

You might try writing a letter to your future self in eating disorder treatment. Or gathering a few reminders of why you said yes: a voice memo, a text you sent, a photo that helps you envision a life with more freedom. These can be anchors when the eating disorder voice tries to pull you back.

4. Use the support you have

You don’t have to wait until day one of eating disorder treatment to reach out. You can ask your admissions counselor questions. You can say, “I’m struggling.” You can be real. This space isn’t about proving anything. It’s about being held through uncertainty.

5. Remind yourself: This time has purpose

Waiting for eating disorder treatment to start can feel like limbo. But it’s also a space where you're already beginning the work of recovery.

Your decision matters. Your effort matters. The days between now and your first session are not lost time. They are part of the story you’ll tell later — about the moment you chose to keep going.

You're not alone

We’re honored to be alongside you — even now, before the first eating disorder treatment session. We're looking forward to meeting you and to continue your journey through healing, even when it felt uncertain.

You’ve already started.