It's common for binge eating to begin during the teen years, even though many people don't get treatment for the problem until they are adults. Often people get treatment because they are seeking help to lose weight. In most cases, unhealthy overeating habits that are part of a binge eating pattern start during childhood. The sooner someone with a binge eating problem receives treatment, the better, because some of the long-term health problems associated with binge eating and with being overweight can be reduced or eliminated.

Teens can start to get help with binge eating by letting a trusted adult know about the problem. Many teens who binge eat consider going on extreme diets, but this is not a healthy practice and can lead to additional health problems. A checkup with a doctor is an important first step in having an overeating problem evaluated and getting guidance on how to lose weight safely. In addition to asking questions about eating habits, a doctor may ask about feelings about school, parents, and other aspects of life. The doctor may also check a person's overall health and nutritional status.

A variety of health professionals often work together to help people with binge eating disorder meet their individual goals for managing eating, weight, and feelings. Nutrition specialists or dietitians can help people learn about healthy eating behaviors, nutritional needs, portion sizes, metabolism, and exercise. They can also help teens design an eating plan that's structured and specific and monitor their progress. Psychologists and other therapists can help teens understand the connections between emotions, thoughts, and eating behaviors and can help teens begin to control binge eating. Therapists can also help teens learn healthy ways to respond to stress and deal with compulsions.

If a teen is depressed, taking care of the depression will be an important part of the therapy. For some teens, antidepressant medications might be prescribed along with therapy. Sometimes certain family members can be a big help by talking with the person and his or her therapist about shared eating patterns, feelings (and beliefs about how feelings should be expressed), and family relationships. Doing this can help a person to examine some of the eating patterns that may have been influenced by family - and to shed the patterns that he or she no longer wants to follow. As with any eating disorder, there is no quick fix for binge eating. Treatment can take several months or longer while a person learns a healthier approach to food.

Dealing With Binge Eating

If you're a teen with a binge eating problem, you may feel that the temptations to overeat are always present. Unlike a problem with drugs, alcohol, or smoking, in which part of the treatment is avoiding the substance altogether, teens still have to eat. So part of dealing with a binge eating disorder is learning how to have a healthy relationship with food.

People with binge eating disorder may find it helpful to surround themselves with supportive family members and friends. Critical comments and judgments from others about eating are rarely helpful and usually add to a person's feelings of self-criticism, making matters worse. Trying a new extracurricular activity or hobby is a great way to meet people, have some fun, and boost self-esteem. Finding a way to express feelings, whether through conversation, music, art, dance, or writing, can also be helpful.

If you think a friend might have a problem with binge eating, it may be difficult to talk about it, but your concern and support may be just what your friend needs to get help from a professional. Offering your heartfelt caring, being willing to listen, and just being there are important parts of being a good friend in any difficult situation.

The good news is that help is available for teens who have problems with binge eating. With the right guidance, commitment, and practice, it is possible to overcome old habits and replace them with healthier behaviors. Teens can overcome overeating and enjoy food without having it control their lives.

Reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: September 2003