BES: Binge Eating Scale. Select one statement in each group that best describes your feelings or behaviors regarding eating.
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Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
When to Use
Screening for binge eating disorder (BED) in obese or overweight populations
Assessment of both behavioral (amount eaten) and cognitive/affective (loss of control) aspects of binge eating
Pre-surgical screening for bariatric patients
Monitoring treatment response in eating disorder clinical trials
Section 2
Formula & Logic
Scoring Logic
The BES consists of 16 groups of statements. For each group, the patient selects the statement that best describes their experience. Each statement is weighted (0, 1, 2, or 3 points). Total score ranges from 0 to 46.
Interpretation
≤ 17 points
No or Little Binge Eating Problems
18–26 points
Moderate Binge Eating Problems
≥ 27 points
Severe Binge Eating Problems
Section 3
Evidence Appraisal
Validation
The assessment of binge eating severity among obese persons.
Gormally J et al. • Addict Behav.. 1982;7(1):47-55. Original derivation showing strong construct validity for identifying those with BED.
Obese binge eaters: affect, cognitions, and response to weight control.
Marcus MD et al. • J Consult Clin Psychol.. 1988;56(3):433-9. Confirmed the efficacy of the BES in predicting clinical outcomes in obesity management.
