Binge Eating Disorder in Males
Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards; and not regularly using unhealthy compensatory measures (e.g., purging) to counter the binge eating. Binge eating disorder is a severe, life-threatening and treatable eating disorder. Common aspects of BED include functional impairment, suicide risk and a high frequency of co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 3.5% of women, 2% of men,1 and up to 1.6% of adolescents.2 Estimates indicate that about 40% of people struggling with binge eating disorder are male. In men, binge eating disorder is more common in midlife.
About Binge Eating Disorder and Males
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is a serious but treatable condition. Find information about BED's criteria, characteristics, effects, treatment, demographics and social stigma. Learn more.
Research on Males and Eating Disorders
Eating disorder research is often focused on women, inadequately representing male eating disorder sufferers. Find out more about EDs and males, including prevalence, biology, media and sexuality. Learn more.
Enhancing Male Body Image
Recognize that bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. There is no one "right" body size. Your body is not, and should not be, exactly like anyone else's. Try to see your body as a facet of your uniqueness and individuality. Learn more.
Strategies for Prevention and Early intervention of Male Eating Disorders
Eating disorders do not disciminate on the basis of gender. Men can and do develop eating disorders. Learn more.
1. Hudson, J.I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H.G. et al. (2007) The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biol.Psychiatry, 61, 348–358.
2. Swanson SA, Crow SJ, Le Grange D, Swendsen J, Merikangas KR. Prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in adolescents. Results from the national comorbidity survey replication adolescent supplement. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2011;68(7):714–723