Binge Eating Disorder

BED is characterized by the most common weight issue Americans face - obesity. However, not all obese people have BED. The pathological behavior of obsessing over food is characteristic of all eating disorders. In BED, food is used as a drug or medication to cover or hide emotional pain. Food choices, quantities, and macronutrient variety tend to be consumed in large amounts out of synchrony with the body's needs. Activity is low. The imbalance leads to fat deposition.

The physical consequences are the same as in all obesity - high risk for Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastroesophageal problems, arthritis, etc. In addition, the psycho-logical fallout of isolation, shame, guilt, and low self-esteem creates a cycle of despair that reduces the chance for successful lifestyle change.