How is BED different from obesity?

While BED is more common among those with obesity, the majority of people with obesity don't have BED, and you don't need to have obesity to have BED. Most people seeking bariatric surgery for weight loss meet criteria for BED, and those with BED are more likely to have poorer post-surgical outcomes, long-term. People with both BED and obesity have much higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues than those with obesity but not BED. In addition to being a risk factor for other mental health issues, people with BED are more likely to get obesity and associated health problems.