InDepth

Find answers in our in-depth report on eating disorders:

• What are eating disorders?
• What are the risk factors?
• What are the symptoms?
• How are they diagnosed?
• How are they treated?
• What are the screening tests?
• How can I reduce my risk?
• What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

Living With BED

Diagnosis of binge eating disorder

The American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) formally categorizes BED according to five criteria.

Understanding binge eating disorder in men

Binge eating disorder affects more than 1 million men in America. A typical binge may include eating anywhere from 1,000 to 15,000 calories at a time. In fact, it is not uncommon to actually have a "food hangover" the day after an especially large binge.

Living With BED (Continued)

What is binge eating disorder?

Doctors are still debating the best ways to determine if someone has binge eating disorder. But most people with serious binge eating problems share a set of symptoms.

What treatment is available for people with binge eating disorder?

Several studies have found that people with binge eating disorder may find it harder than other people to stay in weight loss treatment. Binge eaters also may be more likely to regain weight quickly. For these reasons, people with the disorder may require treatment that focuses on their binge eating before they try to lose weight.

Related Conditions

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder

Natural and Alternative Treatments (By Condition)

• Eating disorders