When OCD and Binge Eating Overlap: What You Need to Know

When we think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), images of repetitive hand-washing or counting rituals often come to mind. Similarly, when we think of binge eating, we might picture someone eating large amounts of food in secret or feeling out of control around food. But what many people don’t realize is that these two conditions can overlap in complex and powerful ways.

As a therapist who specializes in both OCD and eating disorders, I often work with clients who struggle with patterns that blend features of both. Understanding the connection between binge eating and OCD can be a crucial step in developing effective, compassionate treatment—and in giving yourself grace if you’re navigating both.

What Is OCD, Really?

OCD is more than just quirky habits or a desire for cleanliness. At its core, OCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and the repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) someone feels driven to perform in order to neutralize the anxiety those thoughts create.

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the U.S. It involves recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort. These episodes are usually accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, or loss of control.

Where Do OCD and Binge Eating Overlap?

Though they are distinct diagnoses, binge eating and OCD often share certain underlying features:

1. Intrusive Thoughts and Food Obsessions

Many individuals with binge eating patterns report obsessive thoughts about food—what to eat, when to eat, how to compensate for eating. These thoughts can become so persistent and anxiety-provoking that the act of binge eating becomes a compulsion meant to “quiet the noise.”

2. Compulsive Behaviors Around Eating

Some people binge eat in a very structured, ritualistic way. There may be specific routines leading up to a binge—certain foods, timing, secrecy—that mimic the compulsions seen in OCD. This isn’t just a lack of willpower—it’s a patterned, distress-driven cycle.

3. Perfectionism and Rigid Thinking

Both OCD and eating disorders often involve black-and-white thinking, high expectations, and intense self-criticism. Someone might think, “I’ve already messed up my eating today, so I might as well keep going,” which reinforces the binge cycle. These rigid cognitive patterns are common in OCD as well.

4. Emotional Regulation and Control

For individuals with OCD and BED, behaviors may serve as ways to manage difficult emotions. Compulsions, including binge eating, can temporarily soothe anxiety, guilt, or distress—even if they ultimately lead to more pain. It becomes a loop that’s hard to break without support.

Treatment That Honors the Whole Picture

When someone struggles with both OCD and binge eating, it’s important to approach treatment with nuance. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a gold standard for OCD, can be adapted to help individuals resist the urge to binge. At the same time, intuitive eating and body-respect practices can support healing from disordered eating.

Therapy works best when it’s collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique experience. If you see yourself in any of the patterns above, please know you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. There is hope, and there is help.

Looking for Support?

If you’re struggling with OCD, binge eating, or both, I offer a safe, judgment-free space to explore what’s going on and build tools for lasting change. Reach out today to learn more about working together.

—Allison Summer, LPC

Specializing in OCD and Eating Disorders