Question: Binge-eating disorder (BED) differs from bulimia in what way? Want Professional Help? People with bulimia are unlikely to engage in patterns of binge eating. People with BED are characterized by persistent consumption of one or more nonnutritive, nonfood substances. People with BED are likely to be at normal body weight, while people with bulimia are likely to be underweight. People with BED generally do not engage in compensatory behaviors such as purging or use of laxatives or diuretics.