Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder with repeated episodes of eating a large amount of food quickly, feeling out of control and then feeling guilty or ashamed, without purging. It is common, not a lack of willpower, and it responds well to therapy.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating
- Eating faster than normal
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating alone due to embarrassment
How it is usually treated
- CBT for eating disorders
- Interpersonal Therapy
- DBT
- Mindfulness-based eating interventions
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I eat huge amounts and cannot stop”
- “I eat in secret and feel ashamed afterwards”
- “I eat when I am stressed or sad”
- “I feel out of control when I eat”
People who live with binge eating disorder may also notice depression, generalised anxiety or sleep problems. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if you feel hopeless or have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks about eating patterns, how often episodes occur, the feelings around them, and checks for depression, anxiety and physical health. A doctor may review weight-related health.
Treatment and support
- CBT for eating disorders
- Interpersonal therapy
- Dialectical behaviour therapy skills
- Regular eating patterns with nutrition guidance
- Mindful eating
- Treating related depression or anxiety
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess and offer therapy aimed at the eating pattern and the feelings behind it, not at dieting. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist asks about eating, weight, mood and physical health in a calm, non-judgemental way, and checks whether any medical tests are needed.
Who is involved
Care brings together a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist and, where needed, a physician or dietitian.
Between sessions
Regular reviews follow physical safety as well as thoughts and behaviours around food.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is binge eating a mental health problem?
Yes. Binge eating disorder is a recognised condition and it is treatable.
Is it about willpower?
No. It is linked to emotions, stress and eating patterns, and dieting can make it worse.
Will I lose weight in treatment?
Treatment focuses on stopping binges. Weight may or may not change.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Muskan Jain DesaiClinical Psychologist
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.