Binge Eating Disorder (BED) was described by Stunkard (1959) in a group of obese persons with binge eating episodes not accompanied by compensatory measures such as the use of laxatives or provocation of vomiting, as observed in patients with Bulimia Nervosa.

BED is an eating disorder characterized by the ingestion of large quantities of food in a delimited timeframe, occurring at least two days a week during a period of six months.  This behavior is associated with loss of control over the quality and quantity of food ingested, generating feelings of subjective anguish, disgust, shame and guilt related to lack of self-control over eating. It frequently involves social coexistence conflicts and isolation, unaccompanied by compensatory behaviors aimed at losing weight.

Patients with BED are a risk group for weight gain, with approximately 65% being obese. However, the disorder may affect individuals whose weight is normal. Patients suffer from more co-morbidities, such as depression, alcohol and drug abuse, personality disorders, chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome and dissatisfaction with body image, when compared with obese persons not having the disorder.

In studies, individuals with BED have been characterized as weighing more, presenting greater oscillations in weight and being more concerned about weight and physical condition than those who do not have the disorder.