A Brief Overview Of Eating Disorders

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is severe and life-threatening like other eating disorders and is characterized by repeated binge eating episodes often to the point of significant discomfort in a short space of time. Individuals with BED also experience a feeling of loss of control during the binge eating episode and feelings of shame or guilt afterward. However, unlike bulimia, BED does not include purging to compensate for binge eating. Though it is one of the newest eating disorders classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5), BED is reportedly the most common eating disorder in the United States.

Binge eating episodes associated with BED display three or more of these signs including eating much quicker than usual, eating until uncomfortably full, and eating significant amounts of food when not hungry. Other signs include eating alone due to embarrassment about the amount of food they are eating, and feelings of disgust, guilt, or depression after the episode. Apart from this, other symptoms include frequent diets, creating schedules to make time for binge eating, a significant concern with weight and shape, weight fluctuations, developing strict food rituals, and disruptions in regular eating behaviors. Patients may also experience stomach cramps, acid reflux, and constipation.

Continue reading to learn about the next eating disorder, which is far more than just eating healthy taken to the extreme.