binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating a large amount of food in a short period, accompanied by a sense of lack of control. Unlike bulimia nervosa, BED does not involve compensatory behaviors like purging or excessive exercise. It is considered the most common eating disorder, affecting up to 5% of Americans.1

To be diagnosed with BED, individuals must experience binge eating at least once a week for three months. A "binge" is defined as consuming more food than most people would in a similar timeframe, coupled with a feeling of being unable to control the eating. Many people with BED eat alone, as it is often a solitary experience. While bulimia nervosa was recognized as a psychiatric disorder in 1980 due to an increase in cases, BED was first described in 1981.123