What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eaters suffer from a combination of symptoms similar to those of bulimics. They periodically go on large binges (at least two days a week for six months, on average), uncontrollably consuming an unusually large quantity of food in under two hours, and eat until they are uncomfortably full. Unlike bulimics, bingers do not purge via self-induced vomiting or laxatives.

Most people overeat from time to time, or eat because they're bored or upset, but that doesn't indicate a binge eating disorder. Instead, bingers feel unable to stop eating voluntarily, even though they know their eating patterns are abnormal. They may eat healthy foods, but they are just as likely to eat huge amounts of junk food. Some people miss work, school or social activities to binge.

The causes of binge eating disorder are still unknown. Up to half of all people with a binge eating disorder have a history of depression, although it's unclear what the exact connection is between the two.

Bingers may be people who will never fit the impossible cultural ideal, so they diet, get hungry and binge. They may eat for emotional reasons: to comfort themselves, to avoid threatening situations or to numb emotional pain. Anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety or other negative emotions can trigger binge episodes. Bingeing can also be a way to isolate oneself, since the binger may think that their obesity will repel people.

Obese people with binge eating disorder often feel ashamed and try to hide their problem. Often, their friends and family aren't aware of any bingeing at all.

Binge eating can lead to all the diseases that accompany obesity, including diabetes, gallbladder disease, heart disease and certain types of cancer.