binge eating disorder (bed)
In 2013 was recognized as its own diagnosis by the DSM-V and is defined as “recurring episodes of eating significantly more food in a short period of time than most people would eat under similar circumstances, with episodes marked by feelings of lack of control. Someone with binge eating disorder may eat too quickly, even when he or she is not hungry. The person may have feelings of guilt, embarrassment, or disgust and may binge eat alone to hide the behavior. This disorder is associated with marked distress and occurs, on average, at least once a week over three months.”
Unlike bulimia, there is no action to compensate or “undo the damage”
BED suffers are left with marked distress over their binge episode, but can’t stop the cycle.
BED is the most opportunistic of the eating disorders. Of those diagnosed 60% are females, 40% are males and there is no marked example of it effecting any particular SES, race or ethnicity. 2.8% of the American population will be effected with BED at some time in their life.
Unlike bulimia, there is no action to compensate or “undo the damage”
BED suffers are left with marked distress over their binge episode, but can’t stop the cycle.
BED is the most opportunistic of the eating disorders. Of those diagnosed 60% are females, 40% are males and there is no marked example of it effecting any particular SES, race or ethnicity. 2.8% of the American population will be effected with BED at some time in their life.
signs and symptoms
- Eating a large amount of food in a short period time
- Feeling a lack of control over their eating
- Eating when not hungry
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating quickly and often alone
- Not everyone with BED is obese, though there is a high instance of comorbidity. 5-10% of those diagnosed with obesity may have BED
- It’s important to remember that obesity is not a mental illness. Binge Eating Disorder is.
- Weight gain and obesity caused by BED can lead to a great deal of health concerns like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stress on joints and muscles, sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal distress