Binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa: differences in the quality and quantity of binge eating episodes.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to examine the differences in the quantity and quality of binges between binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa.

METHOD: Patients (N = 77) seeking treatment for eating disorders were assessed on binge content.

RESULTS

Results suggest no differences in binge quantity with BED and bulimia, but there were differences in the binge quality. The binges of bulimics were higher in carbohydrates and sugar than those with BED.

DISCUSSION: The higher levels of obesity of our BED individuals may account for the lack of differences between those with bulimia and BED. The importance of increasing our knowledge of the continuum of weight and binging is discussed.