Binge Eating Scale (BES)

What Is the Binge Eating Scale?

The Binge Eating Scale (BES) is a 16-item self-report questionnaire that measures the severity of binge eating. It covers both the behavioral signs (eating large amounts, eating rapidly) and the emotional/cognitive experiences (guilt, shame, loss of control) that go with binge eating.

Gormally, Black, Daston, and Rardin created it in 1982, drawing from clinical observations of people seeking treatment for obesity. Each item presents 3–4 statements at different severity levels — you pick the one that fits best. The format is unusual: instead of a uniform scale, each item has its own set of weighted response options.

Scoring

• 0–17: Low binge eating. Minimal or no symptoms.
• 18–26: Moderate binge eating. May include occasional loss of control and guilt.
• 27–46: Severe binge eating. Frequent, intense symptoms consistent with binge eating disorder (BED).

Total score range is 0–46. A cutoff of ≥17 gives 81.8% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity for detecting binge eating disorder (Duarte et al., 2015).

Psychometric Properties

The BES shows good internal consistency (α = .80–.90) and test-retest reliability (ICC = .83 over one month). It correlates strongly with the EDE-Q eating disorder examination (r = .60–.80) and moderately with BMI, depression, and emotional eating (Duarte et al., 2015).

Disclaimer

The BES is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A high score suggests the need for a professional evaluation, but does not by itself confirm a diagnosis of binge eating disorder.