Prevalence of binge eating disorder in obese adults seeking weight loss treatment

Abstract

Binge eating has been identified as a common problem in samples of obese persons. Earlier studies found that approximately 30% of participants presenting for weight loss treatment could be diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). This study investigated the prevalence of BED using the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns (QEWP) and the Interview for the Diagnosis of Eating Disorders (IDED) in a sample of 468 obese adults seeking weight loss treatment at two research facilities. The study found that only a small percentage of the participants met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 4th Revision (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria for BED using either the IDED (1.3%) or QEWP (7.3%). A larger percentage of the sample (10.7% based on the IDED and 20.5% based on the QEWP) reported binge eating, but did not endorse all criteria necessary to warrant a diagnosis of BED. The primary finding of the study was that the prevalence of BED in treatment seeking obese adults was much lower than was reported in previous studies. Also, there was significant discrepancy in prevalence rates of BED as defined by self-report and interview assessment methods, with the interview method yielding lower estimates of prevalence. These findings suggest that the prevalence of BED may be lower than estimates of earlier reports. We recommend that future studies of BED use reliable and valid interview methods and that this research focus on more diverse populations, including men and a variety of racial and ethnic groups.

Disordered Eating Behavior in Individuals With Diabetes

“…Only one study was found that stratified the diabetes cohort (type 1 and 2 diabetic, male and female, ages 18–65 years) by weight status; 3% of under- and normal-weight women had a current eating disorder, whereas 7% of overweight and 10% of obese women had diagnosable eating disorders (27). These rates are similar to those for nondiabetic samples with similar BMI levels seeking weight loss (31). …”

“…Weight status is a strong predictor of eating disorders and DEB among overweight women attempting weight loss (31). Type 1 diabetic cohorts studied have been significantly heavier than comparison groups, with the average BMI above the normal range (1,19).…”

“…Feelings of loss of autonomy and control are associated with the development of eating disorders in nondiabetic individuals seeking weight loss (31). The relationships are presumed to be similar in patients with diabetes (53).…”

Motives for eating tasty foods associated with binge-eating. Results from a student and a weight-loss seeking population

“…Still, it is interesting to note that 3% of our student sample, and 12% of the EatRight weight-loss seeking sample obtained scores indicative of “severe binging”. These numbers approximate the estimated prevalence of BED in the general adult population (Hudson et al, 2007) and in weight-loss seeking populations (Dalle Grave, Calugi, Petroni, Di Domizio, & Marchesini, 2010; Hudson et al, 2007; Vamado et al, 1997). When we grouped participants into “none” and “moderate/severe” binge groups based on BES cut-offs for purely descriptive purposes, we found that scores on the PEMS motives were significantly higher in those classified as “moderate/severe” vs. “non-binge”.…”

Associations among binge eating behavior patterns and gastrointestinal symptoms: a population-based study

“…Our study was based on a short self-report questionnaire that, although valid, included only three screening questions for BED. Thus, there is the possibility of having overestimated the prevalence of BED,44,45 and in future studies a structured clinical interview to assess BED may clarify this issue 46…”