Binge Eating Scale BES
Binge Eating Scale BES overview
Creator and Context
The Binge Eating Scale (BES) is a specialised 16-item questionnaire designed to identify the presence and severity of binge eating behaviours that could indicate an eating disorder. This self-report tool is vital in both clinical and research settings for understanding binge eating patterns.
The BES was developed to specifically address the need for an effective tool to assess binge eating behaviors, which are key indicators of certain eating disorders. This scale provides a focused approach to understanding the behavioural and emotional aspects of binge eating.
Presenting Conditions
The BES is designed to measure behaviours and feelings related to binge eating, such as loss of control over eating, eating large amounts of food, eating when not hungry, and feelings of guilt or distress about eating.
Administration
The BES is a self-administered questionnaire that can be completed in a relatively short period. Each item presents a statement related to binge eating, and respondents choose the option that best describes their experience.
Desired Audience
This scale is appropriate for adolescents and adults suspected of having binge eating patterns or diagnosed with binge eating disorder. It is widely used in clinical settings, including psychiatric and eating disorder treatment centres, as well as in research studies.
The BES should be used as a component of a comprehensive evaluation for eating disorders. It is not a diagnostic tool but can help in identifying the severity of binge eating symptoms and monitoring treatment progress.
Considerations
The BES is sensitive to binge eating behaviors but should be interpreted in the context of the individual's overall clinical picture. It may not distinguish between different types of eating disorders, so further assessment is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
How to score the Binge Eating Scale BES
Conducting the assessment
Respondents read each statement and select the option that best describes their feelings and behaviours related to eating. It is important that they consider their experiences over a specific period, such as the past month.
Interpretation
Each item on the BES is scored based on the severity of the symptom it represents. The total score ranges from 0 to 46, with higher scores indicating more severe binge eating behaviours. Specific cutoffs can be used to determine the level of concern.
Clinical Considerations
The BES should be used as part of a broader assessment process. Clinicians should consider additional factors such as medical history, psychological evaluation, and other diagnostic tools when interpreting the results.
Binge Eating Scale BES use cases
The BES is useful in:
Screening for binge eating behaviors in individuals with suspected eating disorders
Assessing the severity of binge eating symptoms for treatment planning
Monitoring symptom changes over the course of treatment
Category
Eating Disorder
Research Summary
Duarte, Cristiana, Pinto-Gouveia, José, and Ferreira, Cláudia. "Expanding binge eating assessment: Validity and screening value of the Binge Eating Scale in women from the general population." Eating Behaviors, vol. 18, 2015, pp. 41-47. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2015.03.007.
