When is Emotional Eating actually Binge Eating?
We all eat emotionally from time to time.
Food holds far more meaning than just fuel—it’s a source of comfort, connection, celebration, and even commiseration. From the moment we’re born, we learn this association. As babies, we’re soothed with milk, forming an early link between food and emotional comfort.
As we grow, the connection deepens. We celebrate birthdays with cake and fun-shaped jellies (showing my age here!). Food is deeply woven into our experiences. It’s part of being human.
But sometimes, what starts as emotional eating can become more frequent, more intense, and harder to control.
If you’ve ever felt unsure whether your eating patterns are emotionally driven or something deeper—like binge eating—you’re not alone. Read on to understand the differences between the two.
When does emotional eating become binge eating?
What is Emotional Eating?
Emotional eating is when we use food to soothe or cope with feelings—like stress, boredom, sadness or even happiness. It’s a way of managing emotions and for many people, it’s a deeply ingrained habit that began in childhood.
Often, emotional eating involves foods that feel comforting—something sweet, salty, or rich. You might not be physically hungry at all, but food becomes a quick and familiar way to manage discomfort.
Emotional eating might look like:
Snacking when you’re not hungry, especially when feeling low or overwhelmed
Turning to food as a reward after a tough day
Eating to procrastinate or distract from something uncomfortable
While it can be a coping mechanism, emotional eating usually doesn’t involve eating to the point of physical pain or distress. And there’s often still a sense of control—you know you’re eating for comfort and you could stop if you wanted to.
What is Binge Eating?
Binge eating is different. It’s not just about eating for comfort—it’s more about feeling out of control around food.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder and it involves episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short space of time, often in secret and to the point of feeling uncomfortably full.
What sets binge eating apart is the loss of control—during a binge, it can feel like nothing will stop you, even if you're full, even if you don’t want to keep eating.
People often feel intense shame, guilt, or distress afterwards. It's not about willpower or lack of discipline—binge eating is complex and often rooted in emotional, psychological, and physiological factors.
Binge eating might look like:
Eating large amounts of food very quickly, even when not hungry
Feeling unable to stop once you start
Eating in secret or hiding evidence afterwards
Feeling numb or disconnected during the binge
Feeling overwhelmed with guilt or shame afterwards
So, How Can You Tell the Difference?
Here's a simple comparison to help clarify:
| Feature | Emotional Eating | Binge Eating |
|---|---|---|
| Triggers | Emotions like stress, boredom, sadness | Similar emotional triggers, often deeper and more persistent |
| Amount of Food | Usually moderate or snack-sized | Large quantities, often past fullness |
| Control | Still in control | Loss of control |
| Emotional Response | Temporary relief, maybe regret | Guilt, shame, emotional distress |
| Frequencys | Occasionally | Recurrent, often weekly or more |
| Diagnosis | Not a disorder | Recognized eating disorder (BED) |