Binge Eating

What Is Binge Eating?

Binge eating is devouring enormous amounts of food fast, even when not hungry, and to the point of discomfort. Almost everyone overeats from time to time, but it can potentially develop into a condition.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a dangerous but curable illness characterized by recurring bouts of excessive food consumption.

Symptoms of Binge Eating

• Eating an abnormally huge amount of food in a short period of time
• Feeling as though your eating habits are out of control
• Uncomfortably stuffed
• Eating more quickly than usual
• Eating when one is not hungry

Binge Eating Diagnosis

People must also experience significant distress, refrain from engaging in compensatory behaviors such as purging and have at least one binge eating episode once a week for three months in order to be diagnosed with BED.

Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your recent and historical eating habits in order to reach a diagnosis. The degree of binge eating might vary. Some people have fewer symptoms and binge once a week, while others have more severe symptoms and binge 14 or more times each week.

References

[1] Verywellmind, 'What Is Binge Eating?' (online, 2022) <https://www.verywellmind.com/when-does-overeating-become-binge-eating-3495807>