What it is
Episodes of consuming unusually large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control and followed by distress.
Research-supported
Binge Eating Episodes
Episodes of consuming unusually large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control and followed by distress.
CategoryDigestive
Reviewed by Dr. Ciara Magee · Functional Health
26 March 2026
At a glance
Binge Eating Episodes at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- People describe eating rapidly and past the point of fullness, often in secret or when alone. The food choices are typically high in sugar or fat — 'comfort' foods. During the episode there is a temporary numbing of emotional pain, followed by shame, disgust, and distress. Many describe feeling on 'autopilot' without full awareness of how much was consumed. The cycle of restriction and bingeing is common.
