Research on Binge Eating in Teenagers

Binge eating is characterized by overeating large amounts of food in a short period while feeling unable to stop. This behavior, which is often linked to eating disorders, is most common in adolescence.

In a research article published in Frontiers for Young Minds, researchers wanted to know if certain psychological and behavioral factors contribute to binge eating in teenagers. To explore this, they surveyed 3,595 adolescents about their eating habits, emotions, and body image.

The results showed that many 14-year-olds experience binge eating. The researchers also found that some things make binge eating more likely, such as feeling sad, stressed, having trouble with behavior, eating to feel better when upset, and eating less because of their weight.

This study stresses the importance of teaching teens healthy ways to manage emotions and developing body positivity.

Understanding the Research 

To conduct the study, researchers analyzed data from a large group of 3,595 teenagers who participated in a study between 2016 and 2019. The teenagers were asked to complete a questionnaire that measured different aspects of their eating behaviors.

Specifically, they answered questions about:

• Binge eating symptoms - Whether they had eaten an unusually large amount of food in a short period.
• Loss of control eating - Whether they felt they couldn’t stop eating even when they wanted to.
• Overeating - Whether they ate more than usual, even if they didn’t feel out of control.

The teens were also asked about emotional and behavioral issues, such as feeling sad, having trouble at school, or using food to cope with negative feelings. Parents provided additional information about their child’s behavior and emotions.

These were the findings: 

• Binge eating symptoms were common among 14-year-old teenagers, with 12.6% reporting at least one symptom in the past three months.
• More girls (61.5%) than boys (38.5%) reported experiencing binge eating symptoms.
• Loss of control eating — feeling unable to stop eating — was the most common symptom, reported by 7% of teenagers.
• A smaller percentage (3.4%) reported overeating without feeling a loss of control, while 2.2% of teenagers experienced both overeating and loss of control. 

The study found that teenagers with emotional difficulties (feeling sad or unhappy) and behavioral problems (aggression, family conflicts, disobedience) were more likely to develop binge eating symptoms.

Eating to cope with negative emotions, struggling to control food intake, and concerns about body image — such as wanting to be thinner or restricting food — also increased the risk.

Moreover, a higher body weight was linked to binge eating, which suggested that dieting and food restrictions may contribute to a cycle of uncontrolled eating.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Helping teens develop a balanced relationship with food starts with understanding the emotional and self-image challenges that may lead to binge eating. Here are tips for parents and caregivers: 

Promote balanced eating without strict rules

When teens feel restricted, they may be more likely to overeat or feel guilty about their food choices. This is why it’s important to avoid rigid food rules or labeling foods as “good” or “bad.”

Instead, focus on balance. Let them understand that all foods can fit into a healthy diet in moderation. Keep a variety of wholesome snacks available, but allow room for occasional treats without making them seem like forbidden foods.

Be mindful of body image talk

Teens absorb messages about body image from family, friends, and social media. As a parent or caregiver, model a positive attitude toward your own body and avoid making negative comments about weight — yours or anyone else’s.

Rather than focusing on appearance, have meaningful discussions about strength, health, and what the body can do rather than how it looks.

Teach healthy ways to cope with stress

Many teens turn to food for comfort when they’re upset. Help them find alternative coping strategies, such as journaling, exercising, or engaging in hobbies they enjoy!

To provide your teen with practical tools, consider using our Coping With Stress Handout and Coping Skills Alphabet Handout.

According to the authors, identifying at-risk teens early can help prevent binge eating by providing support before unhealthy patterns develop.

Provide your child or teen with resources that may help prevent binge eating and promote positive coping. Check out our Stress Management Worksheets and Healthy Habits Posters!