Understanding Which Disease is Known as Overeating Disease

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

It's estimated that almost 3% of the U.S. population has Binge Eating Disorder (BED), the condition most commonly referred to as the "overeating disease". However, the term is unofficial and sometimes mistakenly applied to different human and animal conditions, making it crucial to understand the correct medical terminology.

Quick Summary

The phrase 'overeating disease' typically refers to Binge Eating Disorder (BED), a mental health condition with recurring episodes of excessive food intake and a sense of lost control.

Key Points

Binge Eating Disorder (BED): The human condition most often called the 'overeating disease,' characterized by recurring episodes of uncontrolled overconsumption.
Not About Willpower: BED is a mental health condition influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors, not a lack of willpower.
Polyphagia (Extreme Hunger): This is a symptom of other medical conditions, like diabetes and hyperthyroidism, not a disease of overeating itself.
Animal "Overeating Disease": Enterotoxemia, caused by bacteria in animals, is also known by this name, but is not a human illness.
Professional Treatment is Key: Recovery from BED involves therapeutic approaches like CBT and sometimes medication, and is possible with consistent, professional help.
Serious Health Consequences: Untreated BED can lead to significant physical problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, as well as severe psychological distress.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED): The Human "Overeating Disease"

In the context of human health, the term "overeating disease" is most commonly used to describe Binge Eating Disorder (BED), a recognized and serious mental health condition. Unlike occasional overindulgence, BED is defined by frequent episodes of consuming an unusually large amount of food in a short period while feeling a lack of control. People with BED do not engage in the compensatory behaviors (like purging or excessive exercise) seen in bulimia nervosa.

BED is not a matter of willpower but a complex disorder with emotional, psychological, and physiological roots. Shame and guilt often follow a binge-eating episode, leading to a destructive cycle of secrecy and low self-esteem.

Symptoms and Characteristics of Binge Eating Disorder

Key symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder include eating large amounts of food rapidly with a feeling of lost control, often when not physically hungry and continuing until uncomfortably full. Individuals may eat alone due to embarrassment and experience significant distress, guilt, or depression afterward. A history of chronic dieting is also common.

Medical Conditions Associated with Excessive Eating

Beyond BED, other medical conditions can cause excessive eating, or polyphagia, as a symptom, but are distinct diseases entirely.

Polyphagia (Hyperphagia)

Polyphagia is the medical term for extreme, insatiable hunger that may or may not be satisfied by eating. It is a symptom, not a disease itself, and can indicate several underlying health issues, including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and as a side effect of certain medications like corticosteroids.

Enterotoxemia (Animal Overeating Disease)

The term "overeating disease" also refers to a serious bacterial infection in animals like sheep and goats, known as Enterotoxemia. Caused by Clostridium perfringens type D, it's triggered by sudden dietary changes, leading to toxin production, severe illness, and potentially death in affected livestock. This condition does not affect humans.

Comparison: Overeating Behavior vs. Disorder

Distinguishing between occasional overeating and a clinical eating disorder is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment. The key differences lie in the frequency, emotional state, and sense of control during the episodes.


Characteristic	Occasional Overeating	Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Frequency	Infrequent (e.g., a holiday meal)	Recurrent, at least once a week for three months or more
Quantity	Conscious decision to eat a large meal	Consuming an objectively large amount of food, often very quickly
Control	Retains a sense of control over eating	Experience a profound sense of loss of control
Triggers	Social occasion, specific enjoyable foods	Emotional states like stress, anxiety, boredom, or sadness
Emotional Aftermath	May feel full or a little regretful	Severe distress, guilt, shame, and disgust
Compensatory Behaviors	No unusual compensatory behaviors	No purging, fasting, or excessive exercise

Physical and Mental Health Consequences

Untreated BED, or other conditions causing polyphagia, can lead to a host of health complications due to consistently excessive intake or underlying medical issues. Physical consequences include increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, metabolic syndrome, and sleep apnea. Psychologically, there is a strong link between BED and conditions like depression and anxiety, along with feelings of shame, social isolation, and low self-esteem. Studies also indicate an increased suicide risk among individuals with BED.

Treatment and Recovery

Recovery from binge eating disorder is possible with the right professional support, focusing on both psychological and behavioral aspects. Treatment often combines therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to change negative thoughts and behaviors, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) addressing relationship issues. Medication options may include Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), approved for BED, and antidepressants like SSRIs for co-occurring depression or anxiety. Consulting a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is essential for lasting remission and a healthier relationship with food. For further information, resources are available at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: [https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes].

Conclusion

While there is no single official "overeating disease," the term most often refers to the psychological condition of Binge Eating Disorder in humans. In veterinary science, it's a name for Enterotoxemia, a bacterial illness in livestock. Other medical conditions, like diabetes and hyperthyroidism, can also cause polyphagia, or extreme hunger, as a symptom. Recognizing the correct diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment, which often involves specialized psychotherapy and can lead to significant, lasting recovery from a truly distressing health issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

The official medical term for the human condition commonly called 'overeating disease' is Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The phrase 'compulsive overeating' is also frequently used to describe the behavioral pattern.

No, Binge Eating Disorder is a complex mental health condition, not a personal failing or a lack of willpower. It stems from a combination of genetic, biological, and psychological factors that require professional treatment.

A binge-eating episode is marked by a profound sense of loss of control and is often triggered by emotional distress rather than hunger. In contrast, normal overeating, like at a holiday meal, does not involve this same lack of control or subsequent feelings of shame and guilt.

Yes, a medical symptom called polyphagia, or extreme hunger, can be caused by other underlying conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or hypoglycemia. Unlike BED, where eating is compulsive, polyphagia is a physiological drive for food.

Binge Eating Disorder is associated with numerous health problems, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and sleep apnea. It is also strongly linked to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Treatment for BED typically involves psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and sometimes includes medication, like SSRIs or Lisdexamfetamine. A team of specialists often works together to address the psychological and nutritional aspects.

With adequate treatment, the prognosis is favorable, with a high rate of remission being possible. While relapse can occur, many of the associated health issues are reversible or manageable, and recovery is about long-term healing rather than willpower.