Understanding the science, emotions, and hope behind healing from binge eating. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is more common than many realize—and far more complex than stereotypes suggest. While it’s sometimes mistaken for simply “overeating,” BED is a serious mental health condition that affects how the brain, body, and emotions work together. If you’ve ever felt trapped in cycles of eating large amounts of food in a short period—feeling full to the point of discomfort, struggling to stop eating, or feeling embarrassed afterward—you’re not alone. Binge Eating Disorder is now recognized as the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting millions of adults and teens across all backgrounds. In fact, almost half of women with binge eating disorder may develop or experience symptoms during pregnancy, making this period a potential trigger for the disorder. At the Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) at UC San Diego, our team—led by clinical psychologist Dr. Kerri Boutelle—has dedicated decades to understanding what really causes binge eating and, most importantly, how to help people heal. Understanding…