Binge Eating: Recurrent episodes of eating a larger quantity of food than most people in a given amount of time and feeling a sense of lack of control during these episodes.
	Characteristics of binge eating episodes: The episodes are associated with at least three of the following characteristics:
	Eating more rapidly than normal Eating until feeling uncomfortably full Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or feeling very guilty after overeating
	Distress: Feelings of distress over binge eating episodes
	Frequency and Duration: The binge eating occurs, on average, two or more times a week for six months
	No Compensatory Behaviors: The binge eating episodes are not associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as purging, fasting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas

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COMPULSIVE OVEREATING
Criteria for Binge Eating (Remember, this is the text book definition and does not represent what a sufferer feels or experiences while living with the illness)

Compulsive Overeating is a form of disordered eating and while it does not have an official DSM diagnosis it is a serious problem for many people. It is characterized as an “addiction” to food. Sufferers use food as a means to hide from their emotions, to handle everyday stresses in their lives, and to fill some void within themselves.

People who suffer from this form of disordered eating are typically overweight and are usually aware that their eating patterns are abnormal. They often find little comfort, however, due to society’s tendency to stereotype the “overweight” individual. Compulsive Overeaters sometimes hide behind their physical appearance, using it as a shield against society. They may feel guilty for not being “good enough” or shame for being overweight. Like other eating disorder and disordered eating sufferers, compulsive overeaters generally have low self-esteem and use food and eating to cope with these feelings and emotions.

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Factors that contribute to the development of Eating Disorders:

	Sociocultural Factors
	Cultural norms that place emphasis on physical appearance and thinness and not on inner strengths. Cultural definitions of beauty that are extremely narrow Persistent media messages encouraging dieting
	Interpersonal Factors
	Difficulty identifying and expressing one’s feelings Family disharmony and troubled relationships A history of being ridiculed based on size or weight A history of being sexually or physically abused Family factors such as obesity in the family or parental preoccupation with eating and weight
	Biological and Biochemical Factors
	Family history of eating disorders Family history of depression or anxiety Researchers are still investigating chemical imbalances in the brain that control hunger, appetite, and digestion

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Complications associated with Eating Disorder Behaviors:

	Malnutrition
	Electrolyte Abnormalities
	Esophageal Reflux
	Constipation
	Hemorrhoids
	Amenorrhea
	Dry Skin and Hair
	Temperature Sensitivity
	Slowness of Thought
	Erosion of Teeth and Gums
	Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
	Stunted Growth in Adolescents
	Infertility
	Arrhythmias
	Heart Attacks
	Strokes
	Abnormal Liver Functioning
	Anemia
	Decreased Estrogen or Testosterone
	Elevated Cholesterol
	Abnormal Blood Pressure
	Shrinkage of the Brain
	Death