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General health information

Binge-eating disorder

Binge-eating disorder involves recurring episodes of binge eating with loss of control and considerable distress or shame, without regular compensatory behaviour as in bulimia. It is a treatable mental health condition, not a lack of willpower. Seek help from your family doctor, especially for physical symptoms or severe low mood.

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  • Binge-eating disorder involves recurring binges with a feeling of being unable to stop or control eating.
  • Shame often keeps symptoms hidden for a long time; weight or appearance does not show whether someone has the condition.
  • The disorder is different from occasionally overeating and is not a lack of discipline.
  • Strict dieting can maintain the cycle; regularity and adequate nutrition are often an early part of treatment.
  • Targeted psychological treatment works for many people, and recovery is possible.

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Further reading

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E
Eating disordersAn eating disorder is a serious mental health condition in which eating, body image or behaviour around food disrupt health and daily life. You can be seriously ill at any weight. Early treatment improves the chance of recovery; have physical warning signs and safety concerns assessed immediately.
U
Unexplained physical symptomsUnexplained physical symptoms are real symptoms for which appropriate investigations have not yet found a complete physical explanation. This does not mean they are imagined. A regular doctor, a broad explanation and gradual recovery may help, while new warning signs are investigated again.
W
Work-life balanceWhen work stress continues at home, recovery can suffer and sleep, mood, relationships and physical health may deteriorate. Identify causes and boundaries clearly, discuss feasible adjustments with your manager or an occupational health professional, and seek medical help for persistent or severe symptoms.