What constitutes “binge eating disorder?
” People with binge eating disorder lose control and binge, just like those suffering from bulimia do, but they don’t regularly purge or compensate. They may periodically go on a diet, try to exercise, or undertake other means to try and compensate, but they don’t persist at such efforts. Other terms used to describe this disorder include “compulsive overeating” and “emotional eating.” Eating binges are often triggered by negative moods such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, or boredom, and eating serves to block out thinking and feeling. In some cases, the binge is an effort to feel good. As in all eating disorders, binge eaters are distressed about being unable to control their eating and are very dissatisfied with the appearance and exhibit a negative body image. Binge eaters are usually overweight, often significantly, but some fall within the normal weight range defined as a BMI between 19 and 25. (Click here to determine your BMI.) An estimated 25% to 35% of those who seek trea
