Know This First
You Are Not Alone in This Fight
Almost everyone overeats on occasion, such as having seconds or thirds of a holiday meal. But for some people, excessive overeating that feels out of control and becomes a regular occurrence crosses the line to binge-eating disorder.
When you have binge-eating disorder, you may be embarrassed about overeating and vow to stop. But you feel such a compulsion that you can't resist the urges and continue binge eating. If you have binge-eating disorder, treatment can help.
Most People with BED are Overweight or Obese
Behavioral and emotional signs and symptoms
Most people with binge-eating disorder are overweight or obese, but you may be at a normal weight. Behavioral and emotional signs and symptoms of binge-eating disorder include:
- Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time, such as over a 2-hour period
- Feeling that your eating behavior is out of control
- Eating even when you're full or not hungry
- Eating rapidly during binge episodes
- Eating until you're uncomfortably full
Qualify Ahead of Time
Exclusion Criteria
Unfortunately, we need participants that don't have serious medical histories. You may not qualify if you've experienced the following:
- Panic Attacks
- Anorexia/Bulimia
- ADHD
- Bariatric Surgery
- Seizures/Blackouts
- Cancer (last 5 years)
- Hepatitis C/B – HIV
- Suicide Attempt
- Use of Marijuana (last 30 days)
- Alcohol/substance abuse in last 6 months
Americans Obese
35.7
Americans Overweight
68
What if I don't have health insurance?
You pay nothing to participate.
Funding for clinical research comes from the federal government such as the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, and private industry such as pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical institutions, and foundations.
What causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The causes of binge-eating disorder are unknown. But genetics, biological factors, long-term dieting and psychological issues increase your risk.
Genetic Risk Factors
Family history. You’re much more likely to have an eating disorder if your parents or siblings have (or had) an eating disorder. This may indicate that inherited genes increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.
Psychological issues. Most people who have binge-eating disorder feel negatively about themselves and their skills and accomplishments. Triggers for bingeing can include stress, poor body self-image, food and boredom.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Dieting. Many people with binge-eating disorder have a history of dieting — some have dieted to excess dating back to childhood. Dieting or restricting calories during the day may trigger an urge to binge eat, especially if you have low self-esteem and symptoms of depression.
Your age. Although people of any age can have binge-eating disorder, it often begins in the late teens or early 20s.
Complications
- Feeling bad about yourself or your life
- Poor quality of life
- Problems functioning at work, with your personal life or in social situations
- Social isolation
- Obesity
Medical conditions related to obesity, such as joint problems, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and some sleep-related breathing disorders