Ryan, diagnosed with moderate B.E.D. and treated with Vyvanse
Binge Eating Disorder, or B.E.D., is a real medical condition. In fact, it’s the most common eating disorder among adults in the US. More adults have B.E.D. than any other eating disorder, including anorexia and bulimia combined.*
*Based on a sample of 2,980 adults aged ≥18 years who were assessed for an eating disorder in a national survey.
B.E.D. is a diagnosable eating disorder. Many people overeat on occasion, like at a holiday meal. Not everyone who overeats has B.E.D.
Only a doctor or other trained healthcare provider 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.
Unlike someone who overeats occasionally, people experiencing B.E.D. symptoms binge eat on average at least once a week for 3 months. They feel like their eating is out of control during a binge. And even though they’re very upset about binge eating, people with B.E.D. feel unable to stop eating during an episode.
The exact cause of B.E.D. is unknown, but research suggests that certain factors, such as brain chemicals, may play a role. It might be passed down through families or be tied to particularly stressful life events.
Although concerns about weight might be why some people seek help for binge eating, B.E.D. can occur in normal-weight, overweight or obese adults.*
BMI=body mass index
55%
are normal weight or overweight
Of these, 19% are normal weight
(BMI 18.5-24.9) and 36% are overweight (BMI 25-29.9)
45%
are obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30)
*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.
*Based on a sample of 2,980 adults aged ≥18 years who were assessed for an eating disorder in a national survey.
†Sample from combined data set of 3 nationally representative samples of US adults: non-Latino whites, Latinos/Asians and African Americans
Sandy, diagnosed with moderate B.E.D. and
treated with Vyvanse
The exact cause of B.E.D. is unknown. However, researchers believe specific brain chemicals, family history, and certain life experiences may play a role.
Adults with B.E.D. may have differences in brain chemistry that could:
There is evidence that B.E.D. could be hereditary and linked to family genetics
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:
More research is needed to determine the potential causes of B.E.D. Talk to your doctor or other trained
healthcare provider if you have any questions.
If you are concerned about B.E.D., you owe it to yourself
to have a conversation with your doctor. This can help.
