Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is characterized by bingeing that is not followed by purging.

In this disorder, bingeing contributes to excessive caloric intake and consequent weight gain. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder occurs most commonly in people who are obese and becomes more prevalent with increasing body weight. People who have binge eating disorder tend to be older than those who have anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and more (nearly half) are men.

The foods that binge eaters typically choose (binge foods) are high in calories (for example, cake and ice cream), and binges usually occur in secrecy.

People who have binge eating disorder are distressed by it, and about 50% of obese binge eaters are depressed. Although this disorder does not cause the physical problems that can occur with bulimia nervosa, it may lead to complications of obesity.

Treatment

Behavior therapy, as it is used to treat obesity, may be the best treatment for binge eating disorder. Behavior therapy has been shown to reduce body weight and the frequency of bingeing, even when no special attention is given to binge eating. Cognitive-behavior therapy markedly reduces the frequency of bingeing as well, but without reducing body weight.