Symptoms and Signs of Binge Eating Disorder Binge eating disorder closely resembles bulimia except that individuals do not perform purging behaviors to rid their bodies of excess food. People with this eating disorder are most often obese and have a history of extreme weight fluctuations. Other signs that someone may have a binge eating disorder include: Secret hoards of sugary or high calorie junk food Gobbling food -- sometimes not even chewing Feeling stuffed to the point of being uncomfortable or even in pain Coping with stress, unhappiness or disappointment by eating Consuming massive amounts of food in a short time (usually less than two hours) Eating large amounts of food without being hungry Feeling helpless to stop once eating starts Eating alone Eating late at night Eating moderately in public and gorging while alone Avoiding social situations around food Awareness that eating patterns are abnormal Constant weight fluctuations Feelings of guilt, disgust, or depression because of eating Depressed mood Social and professional successes and failures attributed to weight Learn more about binge eating disorder Health Risks Treatment Issues   ABOUT THIS PROGRAM | UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS WHEN IT'S SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT | TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO LEARN MORE | DISORDERED EATING MAIN PAGE BACK TO HEALTHWORKS | RETURN TO TV HOME PAGE © 1999 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.