Binge eating disorder is a relatively recently recognized disorder (it is sometimes referred to as compulsive overeating). The DSM IV includes in its definitions the following symptoms: eating a larger amount of food than normal during a short period of time (within any two hour period), lack of control over eating during the binge episode (i.e. the feeling that one cannot stop eating), and occuring, on average, at least 2 days a week for six months.

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Researchers estimate that approximately 25% of obese individuals suffer from frequent episodes of binge eating. Binge eating disorder affects women slightly more often than men - estimates indicate that about 60% of people struggling with binge eating disorder are female, 40% are male (NEDA).