Binge Eating Disorder

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without the regular use of compensatory measures to counter the binge eating. As a result, people with binge-eating disorder often are over-weight or obese.

BED is the most common eating disorder in males - with about 40% of sufferers who are men. It is also often associated with symptoms of depression.

What are the signs/symptoms?

Frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period of time (at least 2 days per week for 6 months).
Feeling out of control of the eating behaviour during the episode.
Several behavioural indicators of BED include: eating when not hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment of quantities being consumed, and eating until uncomfortably full.
Feelings of intense shame and embarrassment about eating behaviours.

Physical dangers/health consequences

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