A Lesser-Known but Dangerous Eating Disorder

October 29, 2007

It is not as well-known as anorexia and bulimia, but binge-eating disorder affects more American women than these two disorders combined.

According to a recent study in the journal Biological Psychiatry, binge-eating disorder affects four million American women and the numbers may be growing. Binge-eating disorder is characterized by eating a large quantity of food in a short period of time, two or more times per week.

For many women who suffer from binge-eating disorder, the quantity of food they consume can exceed 2,000 calories at one time.

Binge eaters differ from bulimics in that they do not purge, fast or over-exercise to compensate for the calories they consume.

If you or someone you know struggles with binge-eating disorder, contact a registered dietitian to develop a plan for healthy eating and a healthier relationship with food.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team