Binge Eating Disorder
A serious eating disorder involving recurrent episodes of uncontrolled overeating.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Binge eating disorder means having frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short time with a feeling of losing control. It is the most common eating disorder and is treatable.
Medical
Clinical Definition
BED is characterised by recurrent binge episodes (≥1/week for 3 months) with marked distress and absence of compensatory behaviours. DSM-5 criteria require ≥3 associated features (eating rapidly, eating until uncomfortably full, eating when not hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment, feeling disgusted/depressed/guilty).
Key Insight
Why It Matters
BED affects 2-3% of the general population and up to 30% of those seeking weight loss treatment. Medical weight management programmes should screen for BED.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.