In order to meet the criteria for binge eating disorder, someone must have recurrent episodes of binge eating. The DSM defines binge eating as 1. Eating in short amount of time an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar amount of time and circumstance. 2. A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode.
Then the binge eating episodes are associated with 3 or more of the following:
Eating much more rapidly than normal
Eating until uncomfortably full
Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating
Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward.