Binge Eating Disorder: an Online Multidisciplinary Approach in Its Treatment

Abstract

Background: Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most frequent loss of eating behavior among the population and the one that has received the least study in its treatment. Many studies on interventions and BED treatments have been carried out in the United States and Europe, few have been reported in Latin American populations. People with this disorder not only have physical consequences but also social and psychological ones, so a multidisciplinary treatment is a good alternative to treat this condition. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary online treatment (psychological, nutritional, and physical activity) in patients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Method: 15 Fifteen people diagnosed with BED (2 men and 13 women) with a mean age of 34.93 years (SD=11.91) and a mean initial BMI of 42 participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups according to the severity of the disorder. The treatment was carried out over 28 sessions, each being two hours per week consisting of 1 hour of group therapy and 1 hour of individual therapy. There were four evaluations: pre, post and two follow-ups. Results: Five patients did not complete the treatment (30%). The comparisons were made through the non-parametric Friedman test, finding a statistically significant decrease in binge eating symptoms (x2=15.57; p=.001), anxiety symptoms (x2=15.96; p=.001) and depression (x2=15.03; p=.002). There was an improvement in clarity (x2=11.60; p=.010) and emotional regulation (x2=7.75; p=.050), only in women. The patients reduced their body weight, andd improved their eating and exercise habits by introducing fruits and vegetables and including 20-30 minutes of physical activity into their daily routine. Regarding the Objective Clinical Change Index (OCC) From the objective clinical change, a positive change was observed in all the variables addressed. Conclusions: The data presented allowed us to conclude that the online multidisciplinary intervention was effective in the treatment of BED. Trial registration:Retrospectively registered