What Are Common Signs of BED?

Common signs of BED include:

  • Eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period of time
  • Feeling unable to stop eating during the binge
  • Eating alone or in secret
  • Hiding away large quantities of food (most likely for a future binge)
  • Anxiety about eating in front of others
  • Withdrawal from friends, family and social events
  • Focus on body weight and shape, usually with feelings of guilt or shame
  • Changes in weight

What Can Happen if BED Goes Untreated?

You might develop some of the following medical concerns if your BED goes untreated:

  • Overweight or obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease or other heart conditions
  • Sleep disorders
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Digestive or abdominal (belly area) issues

A Note for Your Family...

Weight gain is a common symptom of BED. Extra weight gain can cause many health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity or high blood pressure. Dieting can also lead to binge eating episodes. If your child has overweight or obesity, the care team might recommend BED treatment before trying to lose weight.

You might also notice large amounts of food missing or lots of food wrappers in the trash. This might mean your child has been eating in secret or has had a recent binge eating episode.

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