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
Overeating refers to the act of consuming an excessive amount of food in a short period of time, often leading to feelings of discomfort. It is commonly associated with loss of control during eating episodes.
Binge eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food within a short period, but without engaging in compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or laxative use.
Compulsive overeating is a pattern of uncontrollable and excessive consumption of food, often resulting in weight gain and related health issues. It does not involve compensatory behaviors like purging or laxative use.