IntroductionAccording to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, binge eating disorder is defined as uncontrolled compulsive eating, especially as a symptom of bulimia or binge eating disorder (BED). People who suffer from (BED) usually consume unusually large amounts of food quickly. This disease causes patients to eat until they are painfully full. we live in a society that accepts and encourages excess. So there are probably many occasions when we eat more than we should. For a person to be diagnosed with (BED), they would have to experience episodes of (“Binge Eating”). which “occur on average at least 2 days per week for 6 months” Wonderlich et al. (2003). Binge eating disorder is an ancient problem, increasing in frequency thanks to our culture's obsession with thinness, which is in direct conflict with our love of high-fat junk food. What are the causes of binge eating disorder? common illness faced by people struggling with eating disorders. Binge eating disorder probably affects 2% of all adults (Web MD, 2011). The exact causes of this disease are still unknown. According to the Web MD website, the following factors can affect the development of binge eating disorder: Depression: Nearly half of people with binge eating disorder are depressed or have been depressed in the past. Dieting: Some people binge after skipping meals, not eating enough food each day, or avoiding certain types of foods. Lack of coping skills: Studies suggest that people with binge eating disorder may have difficulty managing some of their emotions. Many people who overeat say that being angry, sad, bored, worried, or stressed can cause them to overeat. Biology: researchers are looking for...... middle of article ......r Online dictionary. 2011. http://www.merriam-webster.com (April 22, 2011). Bulik, C. M. and Reichborn-kjennerud, T. (2003). Medical morbidity in binge eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 34S39-S46. doi:10.1002/eat.10204 Cooke, AA, Guss, JL, Kissileff, HR, Devlin, MJ, & Walsh, B. (1997). Patterns of food selection during binge eating in women with binge eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 22(2), 187-193. Retrieved from EBSCOhostWonderlich, SA, Zwaan, M., Mitchell, JE, Peterson, C., & Crow, S. (2003). Psychological and dietary treatments for binge eating disorder: conceptual implications. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 34S58-S73. doi:10.1002/eat.10206Mental health and binge eating disorder. " WebMD. Np and Web. April 29, 2011. http://women.webmd.com/guide/mental-health-binge-eating-disorder