Is Bulimia Different from Binge Eating?

Health Line

10-06-2025

Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder (BED) are both serious eating disorders characterized by episodes of consuming large amounts of food, a behavior called binge eating.
The primary difference lies in the aftermath: people with bulimia engage in compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain, whereas those with BED don't often use such measures.
Whether you suspect you have BED, bulimia, or a different eating disorder, it's a good idea to seek help. These disorders are treatable. The first step is to speak with a healthcare professional.
Key similarities
Despite their differences, bulimia and BED share several characteristics:
Binge eating episodes: Both disorders involve consuming unusually large quantities of food in a specific period of time, accompanied by a sense of loss of control.
Emotional distress: People with these disorders often experience feelings of shame, guilt, or depression following binge episodes.
Triggers: Stress, negative emotions, or restrictive dieting can precipitate binge eating in both conditions.
Co-occurring mental health conditions: Both disorders are associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions.
Co-occurring physical health conditions: Both BED and binge eating can lead to physical health issues.
Treatment: Both BED and bulimia are treatable. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and — in some cases — medications can help improve your symptoms.
Learn more about therapy for eating disorder treatment.
Because both BED and bulimia involve binge eating, many people confuse the two. A trained healthcare professional can help you find the correct eating disorder diagnosis and treat you accordingly.
Key differences
At first glance, bulimia and BED are quite similar. Understanding the distinctions between bulimia and BED is important for getting the right treatment.
Here are some key differences:
Compensatory behaviors: Unlike BED, bulimia involves trying to counteract the effects of binge eating, like self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Prevalence: BED is more common than bulimia nervosa. In the US, about 1% of people will have bulimia at some point in their lives. For BED, that number rises to 2.8%.
Body weight: People with BED are more likely to be overweight or obese. People with bulimia may fall in a more 'normal' weight range, although this isn't always the case.
Body image: People with bulimia are more likely to have body image disturbances and an obsession with weight loss. However, people with BED may also have difficulties with body image.
Frequency: While both disorders involve binge eating, the frequencies can differ. BED is diagnosed if episodes occur at least once a week for three months without compensatory behaviors.
Health consequences: Bulimia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, and dental problems due to purging. BED is associated with obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
If you think you have BED or bulimia, a healthcare professional can help you find a diagnosis and get the treatment you need.
When to contact a healthcare professional
If you or someone you know exhibits signs of bulimia or BED, it's essential to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Consider reaching out to a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short time
Engaging in purging behaviors or excessive exercise after eating
Feelings of distress, shame, or guilt related to eating habits
Preoccupation with body weight or shape
A medical professional specializing in can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend appropriate treatment options.