Binge-Eating Disorder is characterized by periods of binge eating without any compensatory behavior, such as vomiting or excessive exercise. That is, Binge-Eating Disorder is similar to Bulimia in that sufferers binge eat, but it is a distinct disorder because sufferers of Binge-Eating Disorder do not compensate for their over eating.

Because people with Binge-Eating Disorder experience frequent episodes of out-of-control over eating, without compensating for the excess calorie intake, many with the disorder are overweight or extremely obese for their age, sex, and height.

Feelings of self-disgust and shame associated with this illness can lead to bingeing again, creating a repeating cycle of binge eating.

Binge-Eating Disorder was only recognized as a distinct eating disorder in the 1990s.

Statistics

It is currently estimated that between 2% to 5% of females living in Western society will suffer from some form of Binge-Eating Disorder at some time during their life.

Approximately one- third of Western people with Binge-Eating Disorder are male, so less than 1% of Western males will suffer from some form of Binge-Eating Disorder at some time during their life.

Binge-Eating Disorder Symptoms

Binge-Eating Disorder is characterized by:

Recurring binge eating episodes, which involves the consumption of large amounts of food within a short period of time. The person may feel a sense of loss of control and shame following these episodes.
Each binge-eating episode is associated with at least 3 of the following:
Eating much more rapidly than normal.
Eating until feeling uncomfortably full.
Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry.
Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating;
Feeling disgusted with oneself, distressed, depressed, or very guilty after overeating.
Binge eating without any compensatory behavior, such as purging, fasting, or exercise.

Overweight / Obese

Because people with Binge-Eating Disorder experience frequent episodes of out-of-control over eating, without compensating for the excess calorie intake, many with the disorder are overweight or extremely obese for their age, sex, and height.

Feelings of self-disgust and shame associated with this illness can lead to bingeing again, creating a repeating cycle of binge eating. In addition to the signs and symptoms for each type of Eating Disorder, a range of warning signs can also indicate the possible development of an Eating Disorder.