Ryan, a Vyvanse® patient, looking straight ahead.

Ryan, diagnosed with moderate B.E.D. and treated with Vyvanse

WHAT IS B.E.D.?

Moderate to severe Binge Eating Disorder, or B.E.D. in adults, is a real, treatable medical condition.

More adults in the US 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 or older who were assessed for an eating disorder in a national survey.

B.E.D. affects millions of adults

B.E.D. is a real medical condition. In fact, it’s the most common eating disorder among adults in the US.* 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.

*Based on a sample of 2,980 adults aged 18 years or older who were assessed for an eating disorder in a national survey.

Are you caught in a cycle of recurrent binge eating?

Spoon and fork icon.

It’s not just overeating

Unlike someone who overeats occasionally, a person experiencing B.E.D. symptoms binge eats, 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.

Brain icon.

It’s not a lack of willpower

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.

Weight scale icon.

It’s not about weight

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.

The majority of adults with B.E.D. are not obese

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 at or above 30)

†Based on a sample of 2,980 adults aged 18 years or older who were assessed for an eating disorder in a national survey. Current body mass index (BMI) in adults with B.E.D. over the previous 12 months was also collected.

B.E.D. can occur:

What causes B.E.D. in adults?

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.

  • Brain chemistry icon.

    Adults with B.E.D. may have differences in brain chemistry that could:

    • Interfere with the ability to regulate food intake
    • Create or increase the “wanting” of a particular food
    • Increase the “liking” of a particular food
  • DNA icon.

    There is evidence that B.E.D. could be hereditary and linked to family genetics.

  • Half sun icon, purple.

    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
    • Natural disasters

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.

Talk to your doctor

If you're concerned about B.E.D., visit our Doctor Discussion Guide tool and then have a conversation with your doctor. One thing to remember: Only a doctor or other healthcare provider can diagnose B.E.D.

START YOUR DISCUSSION GUIDE

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