Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is defined by frequent episodes during which an individual consumes unusually large amounts of food in a short timeframe, often coupled with feelings of distress or a lack of control over eating habits. Officially recognized as a distinct eating disorder in 2013, BED is the most prevalent eating disorder in the United States, affecting approximately 2% to 5% of adults and 1% to 3% of children and adolescents. Typically emerging in teenage years or young adulthood, BED slightly more frequently affects women but can impact anyone regardless of gender. Contrary to the stereotype of eating disorders primarily affecting young, white females, BED is equally common among people of diverse ethnicities. It can affect individuals of any body size, with about half of the individuals with BED classified as having obesity based on their Body Mass Index (BMI).