Binge eating disorder, like bulimia nervosa, is a serious eating disorder characterized by recurrent binge episodes, however it is not followed by compensatory behaviors to avoid weight gain (e.g., purging). It is important to define a what a “binge episode” is. A binge episode is the consumption of a large amount of food (e.g., high calorie palatable food) over a rapid period, where the person feels they have lost control over their eating. In other words, once they start, they can’t stop eating.
The large consumption of food can lead to a shift in emotions, where the person may feel shame and guilt on the cessation of a binge episode. These negative emotions don’t lead to compensatory behaviors as observed in bulimia nervosa, but to emotional distress (e.g., shame and guilt) and further restrictive eating that potentially produces future binge eating episodes.
Like bulimia nervosa, preoccupation with shape and weight concerns seem to be at the center of binge eating disorder. The lifetime prevalence of binge eating disorder is estimated to be between 1% - 3.5% of the population. This means that approximately 1 to 3.5 out of every 100 people may experience binge eating disorder at some point.
Like bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder is more commonly diagnosed in females than males. Binge eating disorder often develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, although it can occur at any age. The peak age of onset is typically at adolescence. This is important as early intervention during early adolescence years (prior to any formal diagnosis) is usually the best forms of treatment and possible prevention.
Treatment for binge eating disorder typically involves a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. The goal of treatment is to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. Here are some key components of treatment for binge eating disorder:
