During an episode of binge eating, individuals eat a much larger amount of food than most people would eat in a similar time under similar circumstances.
During and after a binge, individuals feel as if they lost control.
Individuals with binge eating disorder do not compensate for the binge by purging (by making themselves vomit or misusing laxatives, diuretics, or enemas), exercising excessively, or fasting.
Binge eating occurs in episodes, as opposed to constant overeating.
Individuals with binge eating disorder may also do the following:
- Eat much more rapidly than normal;
- Eat until they feel uncomfortably full;
- Eat large amounts of food when they do not feel hungry;
- Eat alone because they are embarrassed; and
- Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating.
Individuals with binge eating disorder are distressed by it, especially if they are trying to lose weight.
Individuals are more likely to have depression or anxiety compared with those who do not have the disorder.
Also, obese individuals with binge eating disorder are more likely to be preoccupied with body shape, weight, or both than obese individuals who are not binge eaters.
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