How to Qualify for Prescription Weight Loss Medications: A Comprehensive Guide

Binge-Eating Disorder and Weight Loss Medication

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5th edition (DSM-5) defines Binge Eating Disorder as recurrent episodes of binge eating characterized by both:

• Easing an amount of food larger than most people would in a particular period of time (within any 2-hour period)

• Sense of lack of control over eating during episodes 

With episodes associated with at least three of the following:

• Eating much more rapidly than normal

• Eating until feeling uncomfortable

• Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry

• Eating alone because of the embarrassment of how much food one is eating

• Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or guilty after overeating 

There are medications available to treat Binge Eating disorder, such as Vyvanse and Phentermine, which help with food cravings and appetite control. Your provider may perform a  Binge Eating Disorder Screener-7 (BEDS-7) Questionnaire to determine if you may have a Binge Eating Disorder.