Impact of Binge Eating Disorder on Patient’s Quality of Life – A Review
Magdalena Kwiatkowska
Profilo Orcid, Gabriela Majta
Profilo Orcid, Aleksandra Żabińska
Profilo Orcid, Natalia Kozłowska
Profilo Orcid, Weronika Komala
Profilo Orcid, Zuzanna Pawlus
Profilo Orcid e Anna Mandecka
Profilo Orcid 
Pubblicato online: 18 apr 2025
Pagine: 321 - 348
Ricevuto: 23 gen 2025
Accettato: 19 mar 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jhsm-2024-0016
Parole chiave
© 2025 Magdalena Kwiatkowska et al., published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Background
Binge eating disorder (BED) is currently the most common form of an eating disorder. BED is characterized by the consumption of large amounts of food in a short period of time, in a manner not controlled by the sick person. Its etiology is not fully known, but it is assumed that the development of the disorder results from psychological, social, and biological factors.
Objectives
The aim of the study is to systematize information about BED and raise awareness among the public and health professionals about the issue.
Material and methods
This paper is based on a comprehensive review of scientific research conducted worldwide. Our conclusions are informed by the latest reports that explore various aspects of the daily lives of patients with BED.
Results
BED is classified into varying degrees of severity, depending on the number of bouts of eating per week. The gold standard for diagnosis is a structured psychological assessment. BED often co-exists with overweight and obesity, increasing the risk of somatic and psychosocial complications. Dietary education is the basis of therapy, and psychotherapy is the first line of treatment. Pharmacotherapy, which includes lisdexamfetamine and antidepressant, antiepileptic, psychostimulant, and anti-obesity drugs, is an important support. Forming proper eating habits is key in BED prevention.
Conclusions
The multifaceted nature of BED, which affects many aspects of patients’ lives, reduces their quality of life. Increasing social awareness, health education, and countering the stigma on those affected by this disorder are also key.