Eating Disorders

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a type of eating disorder not otherwise specified and is characterized by recurrent binge eating without the regular use of compensatory measures to counter the binges.

Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by:

• Frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food in short periods of time.
• Feeling out of control regarding eating behavior.
• Feeling ashamed or disgusted by the behavior.
• Eating when not hungry and eating in secret.

Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder:

The health risks of Binge Eating Disorder are most commonly those associated with clinical obesity. Other potential health consequences are:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Heart disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Gallbladder disease

About Binge Eating Disorder:

• The prevalence of BED is estimated to be approximately 1-5% of the general population.
• Binge Eating Disorder affects women slightly more often than men--estimates indicate that about 60% of people struggling with BED are female and 40% are male (NIH, 1993).
• People who struggle with BED can be of normal weight or heavier than average.
• Binge Eating Disorder is often associated with symptoms of depression.
• People struggling with BED often express distress, shame, and guilt over their eating behaviors.