Learn Glossary clinical condition

Binge Eating Disorder

Recurrent binge eating without regular compensatory behavior, causing marked distress.

Also: BED

Most common eating disorder, with lifetime prevalence ~3% and frequently associated with obesity. DSM-5 criteria require feeling out of control during binges, eating alone due to embarrassment, eating until uncomfortably full, and eating large amounts when not hungry. Treatment includes CBT, interpersonal therapy, and pharmacotherapy (lisdexamfetamine is FDA-approved). MNT focuses on normalized eating patterns, not weight loss alone.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed.Chapter 22

    Most common eating disorder, with lifetime prevalence ~3% and frequently associated with obesity. DSM-5 criteria require feeling out of control during binges, eating alone due to embarrassment, eating until uncomfortably full, and eating large amounts when not hungry. Treatment includes CBT, interpersonal therapy, and pharmacotherapy (lisdexamfetamine is FDA-approved). MNT focuses on normalized eating patterns, not weight loss alone.

Related terms

Bulimia Nervosa, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Obesity