Binge eating disorder is characterized by:

  • Frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food in short periods of time.
  • Feeling out of control over eating behavior.
  • Feeling ashamed or disgusted by the behavior.
  • There are also several behavioral indicators of BED including eating when not hungry and eating in secret

    Facts about binge eating disorder

    The prevalence of BED is estimated to be approximately 1-5 per cent of the general population.

    Binge eating disorder affects women slightly more often than men - estimates indicate that about 60 per cent of people struggling with binge eating disorder are female, 40 per cent are male (Smith et al., 1998).

    People who struggle with binge eating disorder can be of normal or heavier than average weight. BED is often associated with symptoms of depression.

    People struggling with binge eating disorder often express distress, shame, and guilt over their eating behaviors.

     

The health risks of BED are most commonly those associated with clinical obesity. They include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Gallbladder disease

Facts about binge eating disorder

  • The prevalence of BED is estimated to be approximately 1-5 per cent of the general population.
  • Binge eating disorder affects women slightly more often than men--estimates indicate that about 60 per cent of people struggling with binge eating disorder are female, 40 per cent are male (Smith et al., 1998).
  • People who struggle with binge eating disorder can be of normal or heavier than average weight. BED is often associated with symptoms of depression.
  • People struggling with binge eating disorder often express distress, shame, and guilt over their eating behaviors.

 For more information

Eating Disorders Program

National Eating Disorders Association

National Eating Disorders Information Centre

Source: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org