What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is when you often eat large amounts of food very quickly (binge). When you're eating, you feel unable to stop. After binge eating, you feel very upset because you couldn't control yourself. You usually eat so much that you become overweight.
Is binge eating disorder the same as bulimia or anorexia nervosa?
No. Binge eating disorder is not the same thing as other eating disorders, called bulimia and anorexia.
Bulimia nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia is an eating disorder in which you: Eat lots of food at one time (binge) Then do things to make up for overeating (purge) To make up for overeating, most people make themselves throw... read more —you binge eat but make yourself throw up afterwards so you're usually a normal weight
Anorexia nervosa Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia is an eating disorder. If you have anorexia, you're obsessed with becoming thinner even if you're already underweight. This obsession makes you do one of two things: Eat very little... read more —you don't eat enough food and sometimes make yourself throw up after eating so you're too thin
Binge eating disorder—you binge eat but don't make yourself throw up and are usually overweight
Who can have binge eating disorder?
Both men and women can have binge eating disorder. Binge eating disorder is more common than other eating disorders in men.
People with binge eating disorder are often older than people with other eating disorders.
What are the symptoms of binge eating disorder?
Binge eating and feeling out of control
Eating until uncomfortably full
Eating large amounts of food without being hungry
Eating alone because of shame
Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating
How can doctors tell if I have binge eating disorder?
Doctors can tell you have binge eating disorder if you have the typical symptoms and behaviors and you:
Binge eat once a week for at least 3 months
Feel you can’t control your eating
How do doctors treat binge eating disorder?
Doctors may suggest:
Therapy to help stop binge eating
Weight-loss programs or weight-loss medicines to help control weight
A type of antidepressant medicine to help stop binge eating and control weight
