What “Counts” as a Binge? Binge Eating Defined

A binge, or bingeing episode, involves eating large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control. Common signs of binge eating disorder include eating rapidly, eating when not physically hungry, eating alone due to shame, and feeling guilt or distress afterward. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the U.S. With specialized treatment, lasting recovery is possible.

Symptoms & Signs
Signs and Symptoms

Published: Jun 15, 2026

Clinically Reviewed By

Colleen Soldano, LCPC

What “Counts” as a Binge? Binge Eating Defined

Sources

  1. Bray, B., Bray, C., Bradley, R., & Zwickey, H. (2022). Mental health aspects of binge eating disorder: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study of binge eating disorder experts' perspectives. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, Article 953203. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.953203.

  2. Keski-Rahkonen, A. (2021). Epidemiology of binge eating disorder: Prevalence, course, comorbidity, and risk factors. Current Opinion in Psychiatry 34(6), 525-531. doi: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000750.

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