What is called a person who eats too much? Understanding the Terms

December 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, which can affect a person who eats too much. While colloquialisms like "glutton" exist, the underlying reasons for excessive eating vary widely from casual overindulgence to serious clinical conditions.

Quick Summary

This article explores the different terms for a person who eats excessively, including casual labels like glutton and clinical diagnoses such as binge eating disorder (BED). It examines the psychological and physical factors that drive overconsumption, distinguishing between occasional overindulgence and a persistent condition, and offers practical strategies for managing unhealthy eating habits.

Key Points

Casual vs. Clinical Terms: A person who eats too much might be colloquially called a "glutton" or an "overeater," but a clinical condition is Binge Eating Disorder (BED).
Binge Eating Disorder: This is a serious mental health condition characterized by recurrent, uncontrolled episodes of eating large quantities of food, followed by feelings of guilt and shame.
Emotional Triggers: Many people overeat due to emotional factors like stress, boredom, and anxiety, using food as a coping mechanism.
Other Influencing Factors: Sleep deprivation, large portion sizes, highly processed foods, and social situations can all contribute to excessive eating.
Mindful Eating: Practicing mindful eating and reducing distractions during meals can help manage and prevent casual overeating.
Professional Help: For a diagnosed condition like BED, professional treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is necessary.

The Many Names for a Person Who Eats Too Much

While there are many terms for someone who eats excessively, the most common is often "glutton". A glutton is a person with an insatiable appetite or a voracious desire for food and drink, but it is typically used in a disapproving or excessive context. The term has historical and religious connotations, sometimes associated with greed or lack of self-control. However, this term oversimplifies a complex behavior.

Another common term is simply an "overeater". This is a more neutral description for someone who eats more than their body needs or more than is usual. Occasional overeating is a universal human experience, often associated with social gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying delicious food. The modern context, however, has expanded to include far more nuanced and medicalized terminology, reflecting a greater understanding of the psychology behind food consumption.

The Clinical Context: Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

For individuals whose excessive eating is chronic and accompanied by a feeling of a loss of control, the clinical term is Binge Eating Disorder (BED). BED is a serious mental health condition, not just a description of a behavior. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a diagnosis of BED involves recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort, accompanied by a sense of powerlessness and subsequent guilt, shame, and distress. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating is not followed by compensatory behaviors like purging or excessive exercise. BED is the most common eating disorder in the US and can profoundly impact a person's quality of life.

The Psychology Behind Overeating

Overeating is not always a matter of simple hunger. Various psychological and emotional factors often drive the behavior. Emotional eating is a significant contributor, where individuals use food to cope with uncomfortable feelings like stress, boredom, anxiety, or sadness. A temporary boost in mood, often from highly palatable foods, can create a cycle where food becomes a primary coping mechanism.

Another aspect is mindless eating, which occurs when people are distracted while eating, such as watching television or working at a desk. This leads to not paying attention to fullness cues and consuming far more than intended. Triggers can be as simple as seeing an appetizing advertisement (eye hunger) or being in a social situation where everyone is eating.

Common Causes of Excessive Eating (List)

Emotional Triggers: Using food to manage moods like sadness, stress, anxiety, or boredom.
Habits and Social Cues: Eating patterns established over time or eating with others who are also overindulging.
Hormonal Imbalance: Fluctuations in hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin can be affected by poor sleep or chronic dieting.
Stress: High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can increase appetite and cravings for comfort foods.
Dieting: Restrictive dieting can backfire, increasing urges to binge eat due to the feeling of deprivation.
Large Portions: The size of plates and restaurant servings can influence how much people consume.
Highly Palatable Foods: Processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt can trigger pleasure centers in the brain, encouraging continued consumption even when full.

Gluttony vs. Binge Eating: A Comparison


Feature	Gluttony (Colloquial)	Binge Eating Disorder (Clinical)
Nature	A character trait or vice of excessive indulgence.	A recognized mental health condition requiring diagnosis.
Control	Implies a lack of restraint but not necessarily a loss of control.	Characterized by a profound and distressing sense of a loss of control during episodes.
Frequency	Can refer to occasional or habitual overeating.	Involves recurrent episodes of binge eating, typically at least once a week for three months.
Associated Feelings	Can be viewed as a sign of greed or weakness.	Accompanied by significant distress, including shame, guilt, and depression.
Causes	Attributed to greed or simple lack of discipline.	Linked to complex emotional, genetic, and environmental factors.
Treatment	Not applicable; it's a descriptive term.	Requires professional intervention, including therapy and sometimes medication.

Managing Excessive Eating Habits

Managing a tendency to eat too much, whether it's a casual habit or a serious disorder, often requires addressing the underlying triggers. For casual overeaters, techniques such as mindful eating, portion control, and regular, balanced meals can be effective. This involves slowing down, savoring each bite, and paying attention to the body's hunger and fullness cues. Avoiding distractions during meals can also significantly reduce consumption.

For those who experience binge eating disorder, professional help is crucial. Psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is a primary treatment. CBT helps individuals identify and change maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors related to eating. Other approaches, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), can also be beneficial. Medication may be used to address co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety. Support groups can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation and shame. It is important to approach these issues with compassion and seek expert advice for personalized treatment plans, as every individual's journey is different.

For more information on the symptoms, causes, and treatment of binge eating disorder, visit the Mayo Clinic website.

Conclusion

While society has traditionally used labels like "glutton" or "overeater" to describe a person who eats too much, the reality is far more complex. Occasional overindulgence is a common human experience, but chronic, compulsive overeating is a serious health concern, medically classified as Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The causes are not simply a lack of willpower but often involve a combination of emotional, psychological, and physiological factors. Recognizing the distinction between casual habits and clinical conditions is the first step toward finding appropriate management strategies, from adopting mindful eating techniques to seeking professional treatment for a diagnosed disorder.

Frequently Asked Questions

An overeater is a general term for someone who occasionally eats more than needed, often for enjoyment. A binge eater has Binge Eating Disorder (BED), a clinical condition involving recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food with a distressing sense of lost control.

No, "glutton" is a colloquial and often judgmental term for someone who excessively eats. It is not a clinical diagnosis. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a recognized mental health condition with specific diagnostic criteria and serious consequences.

Yes, emotional eating is a major driver of overconsumption. People may use food to cope with feelings of stress, sadness, or boredom, leading to a cycle of overeating for comfort.

Signs of BED include frequent, secret binges of eating large amounts of food, eating when not hungry, and feeling distressed or ashamed afterward. A professional diagnosis is required, which involves assessing these behaviors.

Practical tips include mindful eating, paying attention to hunger and fullness signals, eating regular meals to avoid extreme hunger, and identifying and managing emotional triggers.

Historically and religiously, different types of gluttony have been described, such as eating too much, eating too eagerly, or eating overly luxurious foods. However, these are not clinical classifications.

Excessive appetite can be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, and can also be a side effect of some medications. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause.