Recurrent episodes of binge eating significantly more food in a short period of time than most people would eat under similar circumstances, with episodes marked by feelings of lack of control.Binge eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:

1. Eating much more rapidly than normal.
2. Eating until feeling uncomfortably full.
3. Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry.
4. Eating alone because of embarrassment.
5. Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating.

In addition to the symptoms above, a diagnosis of binge eating disorder includes:

• Marked distress regarding binge eating is present.
• At least once a week for 3 months.
• The binge eating is not associated with the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behavior.