Binging facts

Researchers believe binge eating may be the most common of the major eating disorders. It involves frequently eating excessive amounts of food in a brief period while feeling out of control and unable to stop. Binging involves:

Eating more rapidly than usual and until

uncomfortably full

Eating a lot even though not hungry

Eating alone because of shame

Feeling disgusted, guilty or depressed afterward

Eating like this at least twice a week for at least six months

SOURCE: McLean Hospital, University of South Florida College of Medicine.

KATHLEEN HENNRIKUS/GLOBE STAFF