Understanding Obesity and Binge Eating Disorder
Obesity and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) are often discussed together, yet they are distinct phenomena with shared and divergent pathways. In our biopsychosocial lens at Purple Rain Psychology, we take a holistic view of how biological, psychological and social factors interplay. Here we explore recent research of a review of nearly 200 animal-studies from University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and discuss what it means for people who are living with obesity and/or binge eating, and for those supporting them.
In August 2025 UTS published findings from a systematic review of almost 200 animal-model studies exploring binge-like eating patterns. University of Technology Sydney Key findings included:
When animals (rats) were given access to high-fat, high-sugar foods only for a short period they developed a “binge-like” pattern: they consumed maximally during that window rather than eating continuously when constantly available.
These binge-like patterns increased the animals’ motivation to seek out the palatable food, even though the pleasure (liking) from the food did not increase. This suggests a dissociation between ‘wanting’ and ‘liking’.
The animals with binge-eating histories were more likely to persist in food-seeking behaviour under stress—even though stress often reduces eating. The stress-response system appeared blunted after repeated exposure to high-fat/high-sugar binges.
Although many of the models did not show large weight gains, there were metabolic consequences: higher fat mass, elevated triglycerides, and appetite-hormone changes mirroring early stages of metabolic disease.
The authors emphasised that ubiquitous availability and heavy marketing of ultra-processed, high-fat high-sugar products—especially to young people—raises public-health concerns.
The dissociation between wanting and liking suggests that binge-eating behaviours may persist long after the initial “pleasure” from the food has lessened. For a client this may mean the behaviour feels “automatic”, “out of my control”, or “habitual” even when the food doesn’t taste as good as it once did. Recognising this can shift the therapeutic conversation: from “I lack will-power” to “this is a neurological/behavioural loop I can learn to interrupt”.
If binge history blunts stress responses, individuals may respond to stress not with under-eating (as some animals do) but with persistent eating or food-seeking. Therapeutically this suggests that interventions addressing stress regulation, emotional awareness and alternative coping responses are important components, not just the eating behaviour alone.
The metabolic changes seen in the animal models (e.g., appetite hormone shifts, increased fat mass) underscore that BED (and binge-type behaviours) cannot be conceptualised purely as a “choice” or “lack of discipline”. They involve physiological changes, neuroadaptations and therefore require comprehensive responses (not just dietary restriction). This aligns with research showing BED is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and type-2 diabetes.
The UTS review reminds us that individual behaviour occurs within a broader environment: ready-access processed food, marketing, food culture. For clients this means that strategies might need to include “food environment design” (what is available in the home, how we respond to cues) more than simply “will-power and calories”.
As a practice we approach from a strength-focussed, client-centred framework. Here are some ways this research informs our work:
Assessment: When working with a client presenting with obesity, we routinely screen for binge-eating behaviours (frequency, loss of control, distress) and recognise they may be hidden or under-reported, especially in people living with higher weight.
Psychoeducation: Helping clients understand that binge-eating may involve neuro-behavioural loops (wanting vs liking), stress-related triggers, physiological change—this destigmatises and opens the door to collaborative work.
Intervention: We do not simply “restrict calories”. We use approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for BED, mindful eating, stress regulation skills, and look at creating a supportive food-environment. The goal is to build sustainable behaviours rather than punitive cycles.
Collaboration with medical/ dietetic care: Because of the metabolic implications and overlap with obesity, we often work alongside dietitians or GPs to ensure that physical health factors (e.g., metabolic syndrome risk, diabetes) are considered.
Strengths-based orientation: We explicitly draw on the client’s existing coping skills, values, life-goals and resilience. Instead of focusing solely on weight loss, we explore what living well means beyond numbers on a scale (energy, mood, relationships, self-compassion).
Avoiding weight shame: Because people with BED and higher weight often experience stigma (which itself can trigger eating behaviours), our stance is non-judgemental. We explore how weight stigma, diet culture and internalised shame may maintain the cycle.
Here are some accessible strategies that might be helpful for anyone navigating obesity and/or binge-eating behaviours:
Create a “pause” around food cues: When you feel the urge to binge, pause for 1–2 minutes: identify what you are feeling (stress, boredom, emotion) before acting.
Map your environment: What highly palatable foods are easily available? Could you reduce exposure or plan alternatives?
Notice the ‘wanting’ signal: Ask yourself: “Am I eating because of hunger or because of a cue/urge or because of stress?” Learning this distinction can support a shift from reaction to choice.
Build stress-tolerance skills: Whether it’s deep breathing, movement, social connection, journalling, building other ways to respond to stress weakens the food-as-coping pattern.
Seek professional support: If you experience recurring episodes of binge eating (large amount of food + loss of control + distress) it is highly advisable to engage with a clinician experienced in eating disorders. Although BED is common, many people are undiagnosed.
The landscape of obesity and binge eating is complex. The UTS review reminds us that beyond calories and willpower there are brain-behaviour adaptations, stress responses and metabolic consequences that shape how eating behaviours evolve. We can recognise these layers offers a more compassionate, realistic and effective pathway to change.
In our work at Purple Rain Psychology we hold the conviction that a client-centred, strength-focussed, holistic approach is vital. That means: honouring each person’s unique patterns and context, addressing body, mind and environment together, and supporting the shift from “I am at war with food and my body” to “I can live in a balanced relationship with eating that aligns with my values”.
If you or someone you know is navigating distress from higher weight and binge-eating behaviours, we invite you to reach out and explore what the next step might look like in your journey.
To read the full article from UTS:
UTS review: “What animal studies reveal about binge-eating behaviour”. University of Technology Sydney
