In some cases, people who binge eat are so good at hiding their condition that they may show few symptoms, if any. Even friends and family may be unaware of their binges. However, certain signs are often associated with binge eating.

Patients who binge eat consume food to the point of discomfort or pain. They eat much more food than they would during a normal meal or snack and also tend to eat more quickly than usual. Patients may also eat alone because they are embarrassed by their eating habits.

People who binge eat usually gain weight and may become obese. Obesity can lead to several health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, type 2 diabetes (uncontrolled blood sugar) and gallbladder disease (inflammation or infection of the gallbladder, which helps digest fats). People who are obese and who have BED tend to gain the weight at a younger age than obese people without the disorder. They may also lose and gain weight cyclically more often than others.

Other physical illnesses associated with long-term binge eating and related obesity include:

• Digestive problems
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Stroke

Binge eating can also take a psychological and social toll on patients. They may experience feelings such as shame, disgust, depression and guilt. Low self-esteem is often associated with BED. Patients may miss work, school or social activities in order to binge eat in private.

Other psychological signs and symptoms often present in those who binge eat include:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Difficulty sleeping
• Impulsive behavior
• Feeling that one is not in control of one’s actions
• Not noticing feelings, or not talking about them
• Separation from the community
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal thoughts