Highly Processed Foods May Play a Key Role in Binge-Eating Episodes


A 2026 review published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders examined the types of foods people consume during binge-eating episodes. Researchers analyzed 41 published studies involving 404 individual food items to determine whether highly processed foods are more common during these episodes.

What Is Binge Eating?

Binge eating occurs when a person consumes an unusually large amount of food in a short period while feeling a loss of control over their eating. People may eat rapidly, continue eating despite feeling full, or eat even when they are not physically hungry. Although an occasional binge-eating episode does not necessarily indicate an eating disorder, frequent episodes may be a sign of binge-eating disorder (BED).

Key Findings

The review found a strong connection between binge eating and highly processed foods:

  • 100% of the studies reported at least one highly processed food consumed during binge-eating episodes.
  • Only 32% of the studies reported the consumption of minimally processed foods.
  • Of the 404 foods identified:
    • 70% were highly processed
    • 15% were minimally processed
    • 15% could not be categorized

The most commonly reported highly processed foods included:

  • Cake (20 studies)
  • Ice cream (19)
  • Cookies (18)
  • Chocolate (16)
  • Sandwiches (13)
  • Pastries (12)
  • Pizza (11)
  • Chips (10)

Among minimally processed foods, fruits and vegetables were reported most often.

Why Are Highly Processed Foods Linked to Binge Eating?

Highly processed foods are typically rich in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and food additives. These ingredients can strongly stimulate the brain's reward system, making these foods more appealing and potentially increasing the likelihood of overeating or losing control during eating episodes.

Researchers suggest that the growing availability of highly processed foods may be contributing to the increasing prevalence of binge eating.

Study Limitations

The authors noted that many of the reviewed studies did not report how many participants consumed each specific food. As a result, it remains unclear whether certain foods were eaten by most participants or only a small number of them.

The researchers recommend improving food reporting in future studies by including details about food processing, ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes.

The Bottom Line

This review suggests that highly processed foods are a major component of binge-eating episodes. Since these foods appeared in every study included in the review, they may play an important role in increasing vulnerability to binge eating. More standardized research will help clarify how food quality influences eating behaviors and mental health.


Read full research article here: https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/what-do-people-eat-when-they-binge-eat/.

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