Prevalence and Correlates of DSM-5–Defined Eating Disorders in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Adults

Summary & key facts

Binge eating disorder (BED) is when someone often eats a very large amount of food in a short time and feels unable to stop. It is the most common eating disorder in the U.S. and is diagnosed when binge episodes happen at least once a week for 3 months. BED can happen at any body weight, is linked with other health and mental health problems, and often starts in young adulthood (average age 25).

Key facts:

• Binge eating is defined as eating a large amount of food in a short time with a feeling of loss of control.
• To meet the clinical definition of binge eating disorder, binge episodes must occur at least once a week for 3 months.
• Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States.
• About 1.25% of adult women and 0.42% of adult men have binge eating disorder.
• About 1.6% of teens age 13 to 18 are affected by binge eating disorder.
• The average age when binge eating disorder first begins is 25 years.
• Nearly two-thirds of people who meet criteria for binge eating disorder have binge episodes that continue for a year or longer.
• Binge eating disorder can occur at any body weight, but it is more common in people with obesity; however, most people with obesity do not have binge eating disorder.
• Binge eating disorder is more common among people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and for some people it may contribute to development of type 2 diabetes through weight gain and metabolic problems.
• People with binge eating disorder often have other health or mental health problems. These can include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, sleep disorders, digestive problems, joint or muscle pain, and increased risk of obesity-related

Topics

Eating Disorders and Behaviors Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Workaholism, burnout, and well-being

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Chemistry Chromatography Clinical psychology DSM-5 Eating disorders Gerontology Medicine Psychiatry Psychology Sample (material)