There are several types of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Of these binge eating is the most common, effecting up to 5% of the population. Binge eating is defined as eating within a relatively short period of time (about 2 hours) an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people of a similar age would eat during that same period of time and under similar circumstances.
Many people will admit to occasionally eating a large amount of food in a short period of time (e.g. Thanksgiving dinner), but this is not the same as having a binge eating disorder. Key features of a binge eating disorder include behaviors which occur at least 2 times/week for a period of 3 months or longer:
Rapidly eating large amounts of food
Eating even when you’re full
Hiding or stockpiling food to eat later in secret
Believing you’re unable to stop eating or control what you’re eating
Feeling extremely distressed or upset during or after bingeing
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, “the most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of psychotherapy or psychological counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs. Ideally, this treatment should be tailored to the individual and will vary according to both the severity of the disorder and the patient’s particular problems, needs, and strengths.”
Learn more about eating disorders at NEDA.