What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a condition in which a person usually eats a much larger amount of food than normal, all at the same time. The person feels out of control during these binges.
Binge eating disorder is not the same as eating a lot from time to time. People with binge eating disorder eat uncontrollably at least once a week for at least 3 months.
The person with binge eating disorder exhibits at least three of the following behaviors during a binge eating episode:
- Eat much faster than normal
- Eat until you feel uncomfortably full
- eat a lot without being hungry
- Eat alone out of shame
- You feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after each binge
Binge eating disorder can range from mild to severe. People with binge eating disorder are often overweight or obese (heavier than what is considered healthy for their height). He is often embarrassed by his lack of control over eating and may try to hide the problem.
What health problems can be related to BED?
The person with binge eating disorder may have:
- Overweight/obesity
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Stress
- sleeping problems
- Depression
- Menstrual cycle (menstruation) problems in women
How common is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States.
- In this country, out of every 100 women, just over 3 will have binge eating disorder at some point in their lives.
- And out of every 100 men, about 2 will have binge eating disorder sometime in their life.
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How is binge eating disorder treated?
Treatment of binge eating disorder usually involves psychotherapy (talking with a trained therapist about your moods, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors). In addition to psychotherapy, your health care professional may also recommend medication to treat binge eating disorder. The type of treatment your provider recommends may depend on other health conditions you have.
