Read more about the article Understanding Binge Eating at Night: Why It Happens and How to Find Balance

Understanding Binge Eating at Night: Why It Happens and How to Find Balance

Many people find themselves standing in the kitchen late at night, feeling a strong urge to eat—even when they aren’t truly hungry. For some, this happens occasionally after a stressful day. For others, it becomes a nightly pattern that affects mental health, eating habits, and physical well-being. This behavior is often more than just “snacking too late.” It may signal binge eating at night or even a condition known as Night Eating Syndrome (NES)—a mental health condition and eating disorder characterized by repetitive nighttime eating, emotional distress, and disrupted sleep-wake cycles. At the Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) at UC San Diego, researchers and clinicians study these patterns every day. Their evidence-based programs help individuals understand why binge eating happens and develop healthier ways to respond to cravings and stress—especially after dark. Understanding what drives these patterns is the first step toward recovery. With the right support, including compassionate care from a mental health professional or a CHEAR clinical program, balance and healing are absolutely possible. The Connection Between Circadian Rhythm and…

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Read more about the article Binge Eating in Men: Why It’s Less Talked About—and What Men Should Know

Binge Eating in Men: Why It’s Less Talked About—and What Men Should Know

For years, the conversation around eating disorders has centered on women. But binge eating in men is more common than most people realize—and often goes unnoticed or untreated. The silence surrounding men’s experiences with binge eating disorder (BED) has deep roots in stigma, misunderstanding, and cultural expectations of masculinity. At the Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) at UC San Diego, we’re working to change that by helping individuals and families understand the science behind disordered eating and the paths to recovery. The Hidden Struggle: When Strength Becomes Silence While it’s easy to associate eating disorders with adolescent girls, research from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) reveals that binge eating disorder affects both men and women in nearly equal numbers. In fact, males account for about one-third of all diagnosed cases. Yet men are far less likely to seek help from a mental health professional or discuss mental health issues related to eating. Why? Because cultural messages often teach men that emotional control equals strength—and that…

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Read more about the article Binge Eating Disorder Causes: What Are They?

Binge Eating Disorder Causes: What Are They?

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…

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Read more about the article Breaking Free from Food Anxiety: When Healthy Eating Becomes Overwhelming

Breaking Free from Food Anxiety: When Healthy Eating Becomes Overwhelming

You know how it goes. You decide you want to eat a little healthier—maybe boost your energy, feel better in your body, or just take better care of yourself. So you start reading labels, diving into nutrition articles, or following those wellness accounts that make everything look so simple and beautiful. At first, it feels amazing, like you’ve finally got this whole healthy living thing figured out. But then something shifts. Suddenly, every meal feels like a test you might fail. You’re second-guessing every bite, feeling anxious when you can’t control exactly what’s in your food. Maybe you start saying no to dinner invitations, skipping the office potluck, or feeling stressed about that family barbecue because what if there aren’t any “good” options? Even making food choices can trigger anxiety and lead to avoiding social situations altogether. Sound familiar? What you’re experiencing is called food anxiety—when eating, something that’s supposed to nourish and bring joy, turns into a source of worry and fear. Sometimes this overlaps with orthorexia, which is basically getting so fixated on…

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Read more about the article Binge Eating Disorder Treatment: Revolutionary Method Shows Promise for Breaking the Cycle

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment: Revolutionary Method Shows Promise for Breaking the Cycle

New research proves that targeting hunger signals works better than traditional therapy for veterans with binge eating disorder The Hidden Struggle Imagine feeling completely out of control around food. You know you’re not hungry, but you can’t stop eating. The sight of certain foods triggers an overwhelming urge that feels impossible to resist. For millions of people struggling with binge eating disorder, this scenario is all too familiar. Binges are episodes where a person rapidly consumes large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control and distress. These binges can lead to significant physical and emotional consequences. The numbers are staggering: Binge eating affects up to 65% of female veterans and 45% of male veterans - much higher rates than in the general population. Military service often involves eating quickly, periods of food deprivation, and “making weight” requirements, which can severely disrupt natural hunger and fullness signals. Understanding Binge Eating Disorder Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious and often misunderstood eating disorder that affects…

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