The topography of binge eating.

The present study investigated the topography of binge eating by comparing characteristics of eating episodes recorded by individuals who engage in binge eating (n = 29) with those who do not (n = 27), and characteristics of binge and non-binge episodes recorded by individuals who binge eat. For 2 weeks, subjects continuously recorded the type and quantity of food eaten during each eating episode, time and place of consumption, number of persons present, mood while eating, and whether the food eaten was part of a meal or snack. Results indicated binge eaters experienced negative moods during a significantly greater proportion of their eating episodes than non-binge eaters. Within the group of binge eaters, negative moods were experienced during a significantly greater proportion of binge episodes than non-binge episodes. Furthermore, binge episodes occurred significantly more often than non-binge episodes from 6:00 to 12:00 p.m. and significantly less often at appropriate places. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.