High Rates of Binge Eating Found in U.S. High Schoolers
Nearly half of teens report recent binge eating, a behavior linked to social media use and persistent mental health concerns.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Teens
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A 2025 survey of 6,898 U.S. high school students found that 40.5 percent reported binge eating in the past month. For many teens, these episodes occur with some frequency, as 17.2 percent of students reported binge eating on three or more days during that period.
Why it matters
Understanding the prevalence of these behaviors among teenagers helps families and providers identify potential connections between dietary patterns, mental health, and social media habits. This data highlights significant disparities in eating behaviors across different student demographics nationwide.
Researchers analyzed data from 6,898 students via the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The study reveals that 17.2 percent of teens report frequent binge eating, with prevalence varying by race and ethnicity, though the exact underlying mechanisms driving these correlations remain under investigation.
The players
Youth Risk Behavior Survey
A nationally representative monitoring system conducted by the CDC to track health-risk behaviors among adolescents.
The details
The survey identified that 18.6 percent of female students and 15.9 percent of male students engaged in binge eating on three or more days in the past 30 days. Higher rates of these behaviors were associated with increased daily hours spent on social media and indicators of poor mental health, such as persistent sadness or suicidal ideation. Among students reporting frequent binge eating, prevalence was recorded at 20.5 percent for Hispanic students, 19.6 percent for multiracial students, and 18.7 percent for Black students.
Timeline
2025 was the data collection period for binge eating prevalence.
October 15, 2026 was the publication date in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Health Landscape
This study updates prevalence figures previously established by the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey. It contributes to the evolving research on adolescent health, contrasting findings against established trends in mental health and digital media consumption.
Parents and caregivers should monitor for signs of persistent sadness or changes in eating habits, which this data links to increased risks. If a teen is struggling with body image or eating patterns, it is a critical topic to raise during routine checkups with a pediatrician.
The takeaway
Binge eating is common among high school students and often coincides with poor mental health and intensive social media use. Families should prioritize open conversations about emotional well-being and consult a physician if a teen demonstrates concerning changes in their relationship with food.
Further reading
For more on adolescent wellness, visit Teens.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Psychiatry Advisor.
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