In short: Habitual practice of eating to relieve stress and negative emotions. Sufferer is usually overweight or obese.

General signs:

•    Eating much more rapidly than usual

•    Eating until feeling uncomfortably full

•    Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry

•    Eating alone because of embarrassment at the large quantities consumed

•    Feeling out of control around food

•    Feeling self-conscious eating with others

•    Feeling ashamed, depressed or guilty after bingeing

•    Being unable to purge yourself or compensate food eaten

•    Large exterior – often feels small on the inside