Binge Eating Disorder is not just overeating or even compulsive overeating. BED is a medical diagnosis that involves eating very large amounts of food over a short period of time, in a way that feels out of control, at least once weekly for 3 months or more. BED is distinct from Bulimia in that there are no compensatory behaviours (no vomiting, no laxative use, no excessive exercise).

BED does not discriminate based on size. BED can occur in individuals with all different body sizes.

¹ Hudson JI, et al. Biol Psychiatry 2007;61(3):348-58.

The exact cause remains unknown. However several risk factors for BED have been identified including family history, chemicals in the brain, certain life experiences, and other mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, ADHD).

Binge Eating Disorder is diagnosed by a physician, psychiatrist or qualified psychotherapist.

The DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Binge Eating Disorder include

Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following:

Eating, in a discrete period of time (for example, within any two-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances

A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (for example, a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)

The binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:

Eating much more rapidly than normal

Eating until feeling uncomfortably full

Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry

Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating

Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards

Marked distress regarding binge eating is present.

The binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week for three months.

The binge eating is not associated with the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behavior (for example, purging) and does not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

Weight and appearance are not part of the diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder.

BED can be effectively treated with different forms of psychotherapy including cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy.

There are also medications that can be effective. In Canada, the only approved medication for BED is Lisdexamfetamine, a stimulant medication that should be prescribed under medical supervision only.

Our treatment program is based on CBT-T principles for Binge Eating Disorder. It is an intensive coaching program that requires the full participation of the individual. Success requires a commitment to do the work to finally be well and overcome the eating disorder. This requires doing, not just learning.

Recover Strong is available to all genders, ages 18 years and over. This program is available to clients in Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, as long as you are able to work within Eastern Standard Time (EST) business hours and have a stable internet connection for video calling.

Yes! Many clients are able to have this program covered through their private health insurance. Coverage typically falls under Registered Dietitian or Psychotherapy services. Receipts are provided after each session so you can submit claims to your insurance provider.

If your plan offers more coverage for one of these services than the other, we can tailor your care team to help maximize your insurance benefits.

The total cost for Recover Strong is $1,997 CAD. Each 60-minute session is $210 and insurance receipts are provided. There are 9 sessions in total. The cost includes the registration fee of $107.