binge eating

n. As defined by the current edition of the DSM-IV-TR, an episode of binge eating is characterized by (1) eating, in a discrete period of time, an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period and under similar circumstances and (2) a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode.

Some studies suggest that occasional binge episodes are common in the general population. It is only when these episodes occur frequently or are accompanied by distress or inappropriate compensatory methods such as vomiting or excessive exercising that they would be considered to be a symptom of a psychological disorder. Binge eating is most identified with the eating disorders, particularly bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, but it can also occur in anorexia nervosa.

Frequent binge episodes can also lead to weight gain, although most obese individuals do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of an eating disorder.

- DAA