B.E.D. is the most common eating disorder among adults in the US compared to anorexia and bulimia. Advances in medicine in the last few years have resulted in Binge Eating Disorder (B.E.D.) being recognized as a real medical condition. Only a doctor or other trained health care professional can diagnose B.E.D. and determine an appropriate treatment plan. Medicine is not appropriate for all adults with B.E.D. Talk to your doctor to see what might be right for you.
On average, the onset of B.E.D. in adults appears at a later age compared to bulimia and anorexia.
While overeating is a challenge for many Americans, recurrent binge eating is much less common and far more severe.
*Current body mass index (BMI) in adults with B.E.D. over the previous 12 months from a sample of adults aged greater than or equal to 18 years who were assessed in a national survey for an eating disorder.
†Data from a sample of 2,980 adults aged greater than or equal to 18 years who were assessed for an eating disorder in a national survey.
As mentioned above, Binge Eating Disorder involves more than overeating on occasion. In fact, the criteria for B.E.D. are very specific and should be discussed with your doctor, as only a qualified health care professional can make a diagnosis.
The B.E.D. criteria above are for informational purposes only and are not intended to make a diagnosis. Only a doctor or other trained health care professional can make a diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder.
A doctor or trained health care professional may diagnose B.E.D. based on the criteria described above, the number of binge eating episodes per week, and other factors. A diagnosis of B.E.D. can be described as mild, moderate, severe, or extreme.
Mild: 1-3 binge-eating episodes per week.
Moderate: 4-7 binge-eating episodes per week.
Severe: 8-13 binge-eating episodes per week.
Extreme: 14 or more binge-eating episodes per week.
While the exact cause of B.E.D. is unknown, certain brain chemicals, family history, and certain life experiences may play a role. Theories suggest that adults with B.E.D. may have differences in brain chemistry that could:
There is evidence that B.E.D. could be hereditary and that the disorder could be linked to family genetics. There is also evidence that particularly stressful events in an individual's life could be tied to B.E.D. Some types of events that may increase the risk of B.E.D. include life-threatening accidents or natural disasters. More research is needed to determine the potential causes of B.E.D. Talk to your doctor or other trained health care professional if you have any questions.
Ask your doctor about any specific risk factors you are concerned about
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