People living with Binge Eating Disorder suffer a combination of symptoms similar to those of Compulsive Overeaters and Bulimia. The sufferer periodically goes on large binges, consuming an unusually large quantity of food in a short period of time, uncontrollably eating until they are uncomfortably full.

The weight of each individual is usually characterised as above average or overweight, and sufferers tend to have a more difficult time losing weight and maintaining average healthy weights. Unlike Bulimia, they do not purge following a Binge episode.

Reasons for Binge Eating can be similar to those of Compulsive Overeating.  The Bingeing is used as a way to hide from their emotions, to fill a void they feel inside, and to cope with daily stresses and problems in their lives. Bingeing can be used as a way to keep people away by subconsciously maintaining an overweight appearance and confirming the sufferer’s feelings of not deserving love. As with Bulimia, Bingeing can also be used as self-punishment for doing bad things, or having bad feelings.