Binge-eating disorder (BED) was identified in 1959 but was not included as a medical diagnostic category until 1994. BED is characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating, occurring at least two days a week for six months. Binge-eating episodes are associated with at least three of the following: eating rapidly. eating until feeling uncomfortably full. eating when not hungry. eating alone because of embarrassment. feeling disgusted, depressed or guilty after overeating. To meet criteria for BED, a person must also experience marked distress about the binge eating and not regularly engage in self-induced vomiting, fasting or abuse of laxatives or diuretics. Unlike other eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa, BED affects a substantial number of men. BED is more common among the severely overweight but can be found among people of any weight. Regardless of a person's weight, it is typical for the BED sufferer to feel overweight and to have a history of many attempts to lose weight. The onset of binge eating is often closely associated with dieting, typically occurring in late adolescence.