Binge eating disorder is characterised by periods of binge eating without behaviours such as vomiting or excessive exercise. Binging behaviour can continue for many years.
Symptoms and characteristics
Possible symptoms and characteristics of binge eating disorder include:
- weight change
- preoccupation with body appearance or weight
- increased mood changes and irritability
- social withdrawal or isolation
- anxiety or depression related symptoms
- avoidance of social situations involving food
- fast eating
- hoarding food
- feelings of being out of control with food
Statistics
The prevalence of binge eating disorder in the general Australian population is estimated to be 4 per cent. The incidence of binge eating disorder in males and females is almost equal. 20 per cent of 18 to 22 year old Australian women have symptoms of binge eating disorder (The Butterfly Foundation 2007).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
There are adjustments and solutions for the following job requirements:
References
Better Heath Channel 2007, Eating disorders, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 24 February 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Eatingdisorders?open>.
Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria 2006, , Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria, Glen Iris, viewed 24 February 2007, <http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/component/option,com_weblinks/catid,77/Itemid,96/>.
The Butterfly Foundation 2007, The Need The Alarming Statistics and Trends, The Butterfly Foundation, Melbourne, viewed 24 February 2007, <http://www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/what_we_do/the_need>.