binge eating

noun

variants or less commonly binge-eating
: an act or pattern of excessive or compulsive consumption of food
… if you deny yourself grandma's homemade pumpkin pie with whipped cream, it could haunt your dreams like Scrooge's ghosts. Sometimes, that feeling of deprivation leads to binge eating.John Boyle
specifically : uncontrolled compulsive eating especially as a symptom of bulimia or binge eating disorder
Their binge eating is not what most people call binging, as when they occasionally start on a bag of chips or on a gallon of ice cream and just keep going. Instead, their condition is in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It involves binging multiple times a week. Gina Kolata
binge eat verb transitive + intransitive
binge ate; binge eaten; binge eating; binge eats
If you realize that certain situations cause the urge to binge eat, create a plan in advance to avoid those scenarios or identify a trusted family member or friend who can help you, [Chelsea] Kronengold suggests. Vanessa Caceres and Anna Medaris Miller
But try not to binge eat junk food and choose instead to enjoy your favorite unhealthy foods in moderation. Laura Hotinger
binge eater noun
plural binge eaters
Many binge eaters eat alone because it is really a solitary event, not a social one. Bobbie Randall

Examples of binge eating in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Eating Disorders, binge eating is not only one of the most common symptoms, but also one of the most stigmatised and underdiagnosed. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 This group of individuals is less likely to engage in addictive habits such as smoking, vaping or binge eating. Sammy Rubin, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Another concern is that too much restriction can often backfire into binge eating, said Natalie Mokari, a registered dietician in Charlotte, North Carolina. Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 1 Sep. 2024 How gut bacteria may trigger binge eating or weight gain. Shiv Sudhakar, NBC News, 2 July 2024 The Victoria’s Secret ambassador challenged the notion that binge eating is always a product of sadness. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024 No, Vyvanse is a prescription drug for ADHD and binge eating that may be addictive or cause other neurological or cardiovascular side effects. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024 The misuse of laxatives, however, has been associated with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa—often as a compensatory behavior for binge eating. Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2023 In one study, participants reported more frequent binge eating and laxative use in 2022 than before the start of the COVID pandemic. Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of binge eating was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near binge eating

Cite this Entry

“Binge eating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binge%20eating. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

binge eating

noun
variants also binge-eating
: uncontrolled compulsive eating especially as a symptom of bulimia or binge eating disorder
binge eat verb
binge eater noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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