Having episodes of binge eating is central to the binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN) diagnoses but may be difficult to assess accurately through self-report instruments and estimates of prevalence varies [1,2]. Some researchers have reported lower levels of binge eating in clinical interviews where interviewers may use follow up questions and correct misunderstandings, compared with self-report questionnaires [3]. Another reason for mixed results may be the negative stigma of binge eating behaviours and thus the embarrassment of admitting having binge eating episodes [4,5].
