Binge Eating Disorder and Medical Cannabis: The Facts
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is one of the most common eating disorders. It is more than occasional overeating. People with BED have repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food, often quickly, and feel out of control during these episodes. The behaviour is distressing rather than enjoyable, and is followed by strong negative emotions.
Unlike bulimia, people with BED do not usually try to compensate for binges by vomiting, fasting, or over-exercising. Weight changes can sometimes, but not always, follow.
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
There is no exact cause known for binge eating; however, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition:
- A family history of disordered eating
- Being bullied or criticised for eating habits or weight
- Experiencing anxiety or low self-esteem
- Cultural or societal pressures
- A preoccupation with weight and body shape
What Are the Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder?
The most common symptom of a binge eating disorder is eating a lot of food in a short period of time and feeling a loss of control over the amount you eat, even if you’re full.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but may also include:
- Eating when not hungry
- Eating quickly during binge episodes
- Feeling guilty, ashamed, or distressed after eating
There are also signs that others may notice, including:
- Preferring to eat alone
- Attempting to hide the amount of food consumed
- Changes in weight (either gain or loss)
- Mood swings
If you recognise these patterns in yourself or someone close to you, speaking to a GP is a good first step.
Treatment Options for Binge Eating Disorder
Recovery from binge eating disorder takes time. Changing the habits and thought patterns behind it isn’t easy, so most people are supported by a GP or specialist who can recommend the most appropriate treatment.
The main treatments include:
- Guided self-help programmes
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which can be in groups or 1-to-1 sessions
Where first-line treatments are not suitable or have not produced an acceptable outcome, a specialist clinician may consider medical cannabis as part of a wider, individualised treatment plan.
How does Binge Eating Disorder Affect People?
Living with BED can affect a person’s relationship with food, body image, and overall wellbeing. Binge episodes are often planned in advance, but can also happen impulsively, and are commonly followed by shame, guilt, anxiety, or distress.
Many people start avoiding social situations, eating around others, or activities where they feel judged or uncomfortable. Work, school, and personal relationships can all be affected.
Binge eating disorder is also linked with other mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Some people may also experience symptoms of other eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa, although they are different conditions with their own symptoms and treatments.
Seeking support from a GP or specialist can help people access the right treatment and support for their individual needs. Early intervention and a personalised treatment plan can make a meaningful difference to both physical and mental wellbeing.
To hear the experiences of patients prescribed medical cannabis at Curaleaf Clinic, visit our testimonials page.
Medical Cannabis for Binge Eating Disorder
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018. It can only be prescribed by specialist doctors listed on the GMC Specialist Register and is usually accessed through private clinics.
Medical cannabis is not a cure or primary treatment for binge eating disorder. Where standard treatments have not produced an acceptable outcome or have caused difficult side effects, a specialist clinician may consider medical cannabis as part of a wider treatment plan that takes account of the patient’s broader symptom picture.
Medical cannabis is not suitable for everyone. A specialist clinician will consider medical history, current symptoms, and previous treatments before deciding whether it may form part of a wider care plan.
Research Regarding Medical Cannabis and Binge Eating Disorder
Research specifically on medical cannabis and binge eating disorder is limited. Some growing areas of cannabis research may still be relevant, particularly studies on appetite regulation, anxiety, mood, and stress.
Researchers have also looked at how cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system – a network involved in several functions, including appetite and emotional regulation. While these findings can inform future research, more high-quality studies are needed before clear conclusions can be drawn.
The Endocannabinoid System and Appetite
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors in the body. It helps regulate functions such as appetite, mood, sleep, and the body’s response to stress. Cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with this system in different ways.
A systematic review by Pinto and Martel reported that CBD has been studied in relation to appetite and body weight, and that the effects of CBD on appetite may differ from those of THC [2]. The authors note that the evidence base is limited and findings should be interpreted with caution. No conclusions can be drawn about effects in eating disorders specifically, and further research is needed.
Medical Cannabis for Anxiety and Mood
Many people with BED also experience anxiety, low mood, stress, or sleep difficulties. Where a specialist clinician considers medical cannabis appropriate, it is prescribed as part of a wider, individualised treatment plan that takes account of the patient’s broader symptom picture, rather than the eating disorder itself.
Case series from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry have reported patient-reported outcomes in cohorts prescribed medical cannabis for generalised anxiety disorder and depression [3,4]. These have shown promise. However, they are observational analyses. Therefore, no causal inference can be drawn, and further high-quality clinical trials are needed before conclusions can be made about long-term benefits or risks.
Can I be Prescribed Medical Cannabis for Binge Eating Disorder?
In the UK, medical cannabis is an unlicensed medicine. It can only be initiated by a specialist doctor on the GMC Specialist Register, and only when licensed treatments have not produced an acceptable outcome for the individual patient. Any prescribing decision is taken on a case-by-case basis after a full clinical assessment.
Access via the NHS for binge eating disorder is very limited, so most patients are seen through private clinics. To find out whether a specialist consultation may be appropriate for you, complete an initial eligibility assessment with Curaleaf Clinic. The team will review your medical history and specialist records. If you meet the criteria for assessment, you will be invited to speak with a consultant experienced in mental health conditions.
We understand you may have questions.
For more information read our FAQs or contact our team direct. We’re here to help.
References
[1] Action Mental Health (n.d.) The facts and figures show the scale of Binge Eating Disorder. Available at: https://www.amh.org.uk/the-facts-and-figures-show-the-scale-of-binge-eating-disorder/
[2] Pinto, J. S., & Martel, F. (2022). Effects of Cannabidiol on Appetite and Body Weight: A Systematic Review. Clinical drug investigation, 42(11), 909–919. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-022-01205-y
[3] Li A, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Barros D, Bhoskar U, et al. UK Medical Cannabis Registry: a case series analysing clinical outcomes of medical cannabis therapy for generalised anxiety disorder patients. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2024;39(6):350-360. https://doi.org/10.1097/YIC.0000000000000536
[4] Lillywhite E, Erridge S, Clarke E, McLachlan K, Coomber R, Asghar M, et al. UK Medical Cannabis Registry: A two-year case series of clinical outcomes in depression. J Affect Disord. 2026;399:121130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.121130
