Binge-Eating Disorder

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Overview

People who have binge-eating disorder binge like bulimics do, but they usually don't purge afterward. They may purge occasionally, perhaps as often as once a week, but not regularly or frequently. Binge-eating disorder usually begins during the late teens or early 20s. Women are 1.5 times more likely to have binge-eating disorder than men. Most people with the disorder are overweight and have a history of dieting. Studies show that anywhere from 15% to 50% of people in weight-control programs have binge-eating disorder.

As with bulimia, a binge is characterized by eating very rapidly; eating until feeling uncomfortably stuffed; eating large amounts of food without being physically hungry; eating alone; being embarrassed by the amount of food being eaten; and feeling ashamed, disgusted, or guilty about overeating.

Unlike bulimia, where a binge is usually a discrete episode, people who have binge-eating disorder often binge continuously. Some people continuously eat large amounts of food throughout the entire day. In order to be diagnosed as an eating disorder, the binges have to occur fairly regularly and often (i.e., at least 2 days a week for a period of at least 6 months).

Many people with binge-eating disorder are disgusted with their bodies, have feelings of self-loathing, and experience depression or anxiety. They often suffer from concurrent major depressive disorder, substance-related disorders, and/or personality disorders.

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