Can EMDR Help With Binge Eating? What the Research Shows So Far

The short answer

Maybe, and the research is still early. EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) was developed as a therapy for trauma. Its use for binge-eating disorder has only recently been tested in randomized trials. In one small 2026 pilot trial of adults with binge-eating disorder, people who received an EMDR protocol reported larger reductions in binge eating than people on a waitlist. In another 2026 trial, with 31 hospital inpatients, EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) did not differ significantly. Larger studies are still needed.

This page explains what each source says, what it does not say, and how to decide your next step. It is education, not a promise of results.

What binge-eating disorder is

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes binge-eating disorder as regularly losing control of your eating and eating unusually large amounts of food. Signs include eating very quickly, eating when full or not hungry, eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment, and feeling distressed, ashamed or guilty about eating.

NIMH also says eating disorders are serious illnesses, not a choice, and that they can be treated successfully. Treatment plans can include individual, group or family psychotherapy, medical care and monitoring, nutritional counseling, and medication for some symptoms.

What EMDR is

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD describes EMDR as an individual therapy for PTSD in which you focus on processing a memory of trauma. You call the memory to mind while paying attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound. You meet one-to-one with your therapist.

That description is about PTSD. The VA's statement that EMDR is among the most effective PTSD treatments does not tell us whether EMDR works for binge eating. For that, we have to look at eating-disorder research.

What research says about EMDR and binge eating

Two randomized trials were published in 2026. They are the sources for everything in this section.

A pilot trial in adults with binge-eating disorder (International Journal of Eating Disorders). The researchers describe it as the first pilot randomized trial of EMDR for binge-eating disorder. Thirty-eight Australian adults who met diagnostic criteria were assigned to EMDR or to a waitlist. The EMDR protocol was adapted from one used for bulimia nervosa. The EMDR group showed larger reductions in binge eating, in beliefs about eating, and in anxiety and sleep disturbance. There was no significant benefit over the waitlist for dietary restraint, weight concerns or self-esteem. The authors say the results support a larger trial. They do not call EMDR proven.

A trial comparing EMDR with CBT in inpatients (Research in Psychotherapy). The participants were 31 hospital inpatients with obesity, binge-eating disorder and at least one traumatic experience. All were also in a structured residential program. Both groups improved, there was no statistically significant difference between EMDR and CBT, and the improvements were small. The authors note that, without a control group, they cannot attribute the improvement to either therapy.

What this means: the evidence is early, small and mixed. It does not show that EMDR works better than other treatments for binge eating. It does show that researchers are testing it, including in people whose eating is tied to traumatic experiences. The pilot trial's authors note that binge-eating disorder is often associated with trauma.

How to think about your next step

• Start with a medical provider. NIMH lists medical care and monitoring as part of eating-disorder treatment, and it lists physical health problems, such as type 2 diabetes and sleep problems, among the possible consequences of binge eating over time.
• Ask any therapist direct questions. Are you trained in EMDR? Do you work with eating concerns? How do you coordinate with my doctor? What does the evidence say about the approach you suggest for me?
• Expect discomfort to be possible. The VA notes you may feel uncomfortable when focusing on difficult memories or beliefs, and that these feelings are usually brief.
• Treat EMDR as one option, not the only one. One of the 2026 trial papers describes CBT as the traditionally indicated approach for binge-eating disorder.

Where EMDR Center of Denver fits

EMDR Center of Denver offers online EMDR therapy for adults who live anywhere in Colorado. Both of its therapists, Jeanne Cross, LCSW, LAC, and Gessica Cross, LCSW, are EMDR-trained and licensed. The practice has a page on EMDR therapy for binge eating, food addiction and body image and a page on EMDR therapy for addiction.

If you want to talk through whether the practice is a fit for what you are dealing with, you can book a free 15-minute consultation. For fees, see the Rates page.

Schedule Free Consultation · Call 720-464-3444

Frequently asked questions

Is EMDR a standard treatment for binge-eating disorder?

Not on the sources we reviewed. NIMH's overview of eating-disorder treatment lists psychotherapy, medical care, nutritional counseling and medication without naming EMDR. One 2026 trial paper describes CBT as the traditionally indicated approach. EMDR for binge-eating disorder is being studied, and the first pilot randomized trial was published in 2026.

What did the first EMDR trial for binge-eating disorder find?

In a pilot trial of 38 adults, the EMDR group showed larger reductions in binge eating than the waitlist group, and no significant benefit for dietary restraint, weight concerns or self-esteem. The authors call it a feasibility and preliminary-efficacy study and recommend a larger trial.

Does EMDR work better than CBT for binge eating?

A 2026 inpatient trial found no statistically significant difference between EMDR and CBT, with small improvements in both groups. Because everyone was also in a residential program and there was no untreated comparison group, the authors could not say which therapy caused the improvement.

What happens in an EMDR session?

The VA describes EMDR as an individual therapy. You focus on processing a difficult memory while paying attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound. You may feel uncomfortable at times, and the VA says these feelings are usually brief.

Should I see a doctor too?

Talk to a health care provider. NIMH lists medical care and monitoring among the parts of eating-disorder treatment, and your provider can help decide what mix of care fits you.

Sources

• National Institute of Mental Health. Eating Disorders. Read Nov 5, 2026.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD. Page shows last updated Sept 25, 2026; read Nov 5, 2026.
• Hatoum AH, Richard K, Burton AL, Rieger E, Touyz S, Abbott MJ. A pilot randomized controlled trial of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for adults with binge-eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2026. doi:10.1002/eat.70056. PubMed 41655996.
• Guerrini Usubini A, Manzoni GM, Pietrabissa G, et al. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing versus cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of inpatients with obesity, binge eating disorder, and traumatic experiences: a randomized controlled trial. Research in Psychotherapy. 2026. doi:10.4081/ripppo.2026.886. PubMed 41697193.
• EMDR Center of Denver. Contact, Who We Are and Online EMDR Therapy in Colorado. Read Nov 5, 2026.

Education and crisis disclaimer

This article is for education and is not a substitute for therapy, medical advice, or emergency care. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. EMDR Center of Denver does not provide emergency services.