Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often hiding behind stigma or misunderstanding. Characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, accompanied by a sense of loss of control, BED can lead to significant and lasting physical, emotional, and social consequences.
At The Summit Wellness Group, a leading binge eating disorder treatment center in Atlanta, GA, we recognize the complexity of binge eating disorder and other types of eating disorders. We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment to help individuals reclaim their lives.
Through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), we offer comprehensive care tailored to address the unique needs of those struggling with BED.
Understanding Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, yet it is often underdiagnosed and largely misunderstood. Unlike bulimia nervosa, BED does not involve compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise, like in anorexia nervosa, which can make it less visible but no less damaging.
Individuals with binge eating disorder experience episodes of eating large quantities of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort, while feeling unable to stop. Intense feelings of shame, guilt, or distress typically accompany these episodes.
How Common Is BED?
BED affects a diverse population, crossing age, gender, racial, and socioeconomic lines. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 3% of U.S. adults will experience BED in their lifetime, with higher rates among women (1.25%) than men (0.42%).
The disorder often emerges in adolescence or early adulthood, with 1.6% of individuals between the ages of 13-18 experiencing BED, but the condition can persist or develop later in life.
Studies also suggest that very few individuals with BED seek treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care due to stigma and lack of awareness.
What Does BED Look Like?
BED is more than occasional overeating. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for BED, including:
- Recurrent binge eating episodes are defined as eating a substantial amount of food in a discrete period (within two hours).
- A sense of lack of control during the episodes.
- Binge eating occurs at least once a week for three months.
- Episodes are associated with at least three of the following:
- Eating rapidly
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating large amounts when not hungry
- Eating alone due to embarrassment
- Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty afterward
- No regular use of compensatory behaviors (purging or fasting).
Individuals with BED may hide their behavior, eat in secret, or stockpile food. The disorder can manifest in any body size, as it is not necessarily associated with weight gain, though many individuals experience weight fluctuations.
Causes of Binge Eating Disorder
BED arises from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding these causes is critical for effective treatment.
Biological Factors: Genetic predisposition may play a role, indicating that individuals with a family history of eating disorders or mental health conditions are at a higher risk. Dysregulation in brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, which govern mood and rewards, may also contribute to binge eating behaviors.
Psychological Factors: BED is frequently linked to co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders. Low self-esteem, poor body image, and difficulty managing emotions can trigger binge eating as a coping mechanism. For some, food becomes a way to numb emotional pain or stress.
Environmental Factors: Cultural pressures, such as idealized body image or diet culture, can exacerbate BED. Traumatic experiences, including childhood abuse or bullying, are also significant risk factors. Social stressors, like financial difficulties or relationship conflicts, may further contribute to the disorder.
If left unaddressed, BED can become a chronic condition, perpetuating a cycle of emotional and physical harm. However, with proper treatment, recovery is achievable, and The Summit Wellness Group is dedicated to guiding individuals toward lasting healing.
Treatment at The Summit Wellness Group
At The Summit Wellness Group, we believe that recovery from BED requires a holistic, individualized approach that addresses the body, mind, and soul. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are designed to provide structured, supportive environments where clients can develop the skills and resilience needed to overcome BED.
Both programs integrate evidence-based therapies, nutritional guidance, and community support to foster sustainable recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Our PHP, also known as a day treatment program, is an intensive, structured option for men and women who require significant daily support but do not need 24-hour residential care.
Clients in our PHP typically attend treatment five days a week for most of the day, allowing them to return home in the evenings.
This level of care is ideal for those transitioning from inpatient or residential treatment or those needing a higher level of intervention than general outpatient care can provide.
Some key components of our PHP may include:
- Individual Therapy: Clients work one-on-one with licensed therapists to explore the root causes of their BED, such as trauma, emotional triggers, or negative thought patterns. Modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) help clients challenge distorted beliefs about food and body image while developing healthier coping strategies.
- Group Therapy: Group sessions provide a safe space for clients to share experiences, build community, and learn from peers. Topics include emotion regulation, mindfulness, and relapse prevention, fostering a sense of connection and reducing isolation.
- Nutritional Counseling: Registered dietitians work with clients to create personalized meal plans promoting a balanced food relationship. Nutritional education helps clients understand hunger cues, reduce guilt around eating, and dismantle diet culture myths.
- Medical and Psychiatric Oversight: Our multidisciplinary team monitors clients’ physical and mental health, addressing co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety. Medication management, when appropriate, is integrated into each care plan.
- Holistic Therapies: We incorporate mindfulness, yoga, and expressive therapy (art therapy) to help clients process emotions and build resilience. These approaches complement traditional therapies by addressing recovery’s emotional and spiritual aspects.
The PHP at The Summit Wellness Group is designed to stabilize clients, equip them with practical tools, and prepare them for a step-down to less intensive care. We aim to empower clients to manage BED symptoms while reintegrating into daily life.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our IOP offers a flexible yet robust healthcare treatment option for individuals who need structured support but have more stability than those in PHP. Clients typically attend IOP three to five days per week, for several hours daily, allowing them to maintain work, school, or family obligations.
Our IOP is ideal for those transitioning from a residential program, PHP, or those whose BED symptoms are less severe but still require intensive intervention.
Though each client receives a personalized treatment plan, some standard services include:
- Evidence-Based Therapies: Similar to PHP, IOP includes CBT and DBT, among other therapeutic interventions, to address binge eating triggers and build emotional regulation skills. Clients practice techniques like urge surfing (managing cravings without acting on them) and cognitive restructuring to challenge harmful thoughts.
- Family-Based Therapy Sessions: For younger clients or those with strong family involvement, family therapy helps loved ones support recovery by improving communication and addressing enabling behaviors. Research shows that family-based therapies can effectively reduce core BED symptoms.
- Group Support: IOP groups focus on skill-building for disordered eating, relapse prevention, and peer support. Clients may explore topics like body acceptance, stress management, and self-compassion, fostering a sense of community.
- Nutritional Guidance: Dietitians and other members of our care teams support clients in normalizing eating patterns, setting realistic goals, and reducing binge episodes. IOP emphasizes practical grocery shopping, meal planning, and dining out strategies.
- Aftercare Planning: As clients progress through their eating disorder program, our team develops individualized aftercare plans, including various outpatient treatments, support groups, or community resources. This ensures long-term success and relapse prevention.
Our IOP mental health treatment, which has real-world applications, helps clients integrate recovery skills into their daily lives while maintaining accountability and support.
Why Choose The Summit Wellness Group?
The Summit Wellness Group stands out for its compassionate, client-centered approach to BED treatment. Our programs are grounded in the latest research, with most clients who complete treatment reporting a reduction in eating disorder symptoms.
We prioritize individualized care, our multidisciplinary teams, weight-inclusive philosophies, and flexible options. Clients receive a tailored treatment plan based on their unique needs, history, and goals.
Our staff includes licensed therapists, dietitians, psychiatrists, and holistic practitioners who collaborate to address all aspects of BED.
We embrace a health-centric approach, focusing on individual client health and well-being rather than weight loss, which aligns with effective BED treatment outcomes.
And our eating disorder recovery programs offer varying levels of intensity, allowing each client to find the right fit for their recovery journey.
Give Us a Call Today
Binge eating disorder is a complex mental health issue with far-reaching impacts, but recovery is possible with the right behavioral health support. At The Summit Wellness Group, we are dedicated to helping individuals overcome BED through our comprehensive PHP and IOP programs.
By addressing BED’s biological, psychological, and environmental factors with evidence-based therapies, nutritional support, and holistic care, we empower clients to build healthier relationships with food, body weight, and themselves.
If you or a loved one is struggling with BED, The Summit Wellness Group is here to guide you toward lasting healing and a brighter future. Call us today at (770) 790-4510 to learn more about our programs and take the first step toward recovery.