Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
A severe eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food quickly and uncontrollably, without the regular use of compensatory measures to counter the binge eating.
Related terms
Emotional Eating: The practice of consuming large quantities of food -- usually 'comfort' or junk foods -- in response to feelings instead of hunger.
Food Addiction: A behavioral addiction that is characterized by the compulsive consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods which leads to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease etc.