Binge Eating Disorder
Symptoms
- Frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food in short periods of time
- Feeling out of control over eating behavior
- Feeling ashamed or disgusted by the behavior
- Eating in secret
Warning Signs:
- Eating more rapidly than normal
- History of unsuccessful dieting
- Preoccupation with weight/weight loss
- Weight fluctuations
Emotional/Cognitive Characteristics
- Difficulty expressing feelings
- Hesitancy to seek medical care if overweight; fear of being told to lose weight
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Embarrassment
- Social withdrawal
- May have experienced discrimination due to size
- Depression
Health Consequences
- Low energy
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
Statistics
- 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 with binge eating disorder are female, 40% are male.
- People who struggle with binge eating disorder can be of average or heavier than average weight.
Adapted from the National Eating Disorders Association. www.NationalEatingDisorders.org 800-931-2237
