We’re going to start with binge eating because someone can binge eat from time to time, without it necessarily being classed as an eating disorder.
A binge is usually when someone eats a large amount of food, perhaps the food that they wouldn’t consciously choose, in a condensed period of time and past the point of comfortable fullness. It can feel like momentary escapism or relief. This is often done in secret, with feelings of guilt and shame coming up after, along with the desire to hide any evidence of the binge - food wrappers, money spent etc.
Binges can be planned, for example when you know your family are away, with special binge foods bought in advance. They can also be more spontaneous, such as a reaction to a difficult day or opportunistic, when you find yourself alone with access to food.
Following a binge, a plan to “make up for it” is often put in place, such as skipping a meal, reducing the number of calories eaten in a day or restricting specific foods.
