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Binge eating disorder (compulsive overeating).(Disease/Disorder overview)
- Article from:
- Clinical Reference Systems
- Article date:
- May 24, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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What is binge eating?
Binge eating is eating large amounts of food within a short time. Binge eating is a treatable medical illness that involves lack of control over eating. It is not just a matter of failing to use will power or having poor eating habits. Overeating does not always mean that a person has a binge eating disorder.
Binge eating is similar to bulimia, but binge eaters do not usually throw up (purge), fast, or exercise too much. Usually binge eaters are overweight, as they do not get rid of the extra calories by purging or exercising. They have problems losing weight, or keeping it off if weight is lost.
How does it occur?