Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research Understanding Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Interested in speaking with someone about CHEAR’s Binge Eating Disorder Treatment Program?
Overview
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States—yet it’s often misunderstood. At the Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) at UC San Diego, we study the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to BED and offer evidence-based treatment approaches grounded in compassion and science.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
BED is characterized by recurring episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period—often accompanied by feelings of loss of control, guilt, or shame. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating episodes aren’t followed by purging behaviors.
People with BED may eat quickly, eat alone due to embarrassment, or continue eating past fullness. These patterns can affect both physical and emotional well-being.
Why It Happens
Research led by Dr. Kerri Boutelle shows that binge eating is not about willpower—it’s about how the brain and body respond to food cues, stress, and emotions.
- Biological factors: Differences in dopamine and hunger-regulation systems make food cues more rewarding.
- Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem can trigger binge episodes.
- Environmental factors: Diet culture, trauma, or family patterns can reinforce restrictive and binge cycles.
How CHEAR Helps
CHEAR’s treatments are informed by decades of clinical research, including Dr. Boutelle’s Regulation of Cues (ROC) model—a method that helps individuals reconnect with hunger and fullness signals, reduce reactivity to food triggers, and develop a healthier relationship with eating.
Other treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness strategies, and holistic support for co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
Our Research
Dr. Boutelle’s studies, such as the 2025 JAMA Network Open randomized controlled trial, show that ROC combined with Behavioral Weight Loss outperforms CBT in reducing binge frequency. Ongoing work at CHEAR continues to refine how biological and emotional systems interact to influence eating behaviors.
Get Involved
CHEAR offers no-cost studies for adults, teens, and children dealing with binge eating, emotional eating, or related challenges.
View Current Studies ›
If You Need Support
If you or someone you love struggles with binge eating, know that healing is possible. Our compassionate team at CHEAR helps individuals build balance, awareness, and confidence around food and body image.