ObjectiveThose who suffer from eating disorders including Binge Eating Disorder (BED) face many hurdles including lack of access to treatment, guilt, denial, lack of motivation to change, and shame. The fear of stigmatization can also prevent those who suffer from eating disorders from seeking proper treatment. Web‐based treatment programs present an opportunity to eliminate or reduce some of these hurdles and resistance to treatment. The current Randomized Controlled Trial aimed to assess the efficacy of a web‐based outpatient treatment program in overweight and obese females diagnosed with BED.MethodsA total of 18 overweight or obese women with clinical or sub‐clinical binge eating disorder, aged 20–73, were randomized into either a face‐to‐face treatment program or a web‐based treatment program. Twelve participants completed the study. In face‐to‐face group (n=8), participants received a total 12 session counseling including an individual biweekly session with a psychotherapist and biweekly session with a Registered Dietitian (RD) specializing in eating disorders. In the web‐based group (n=4), participants received a 12‐session weekly video counseling through an online telemedicine software with psychotherapist and RD. Outcomes were assessed at 3 months including weight, binge episode (BE), and Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) questionnaire that assess eating disorder risks.ResultsIn the end of study, there were no differences in weight change and binge episodes change between two treatment groups. When comparing before and after treatment, participants did not lose weight in both groups. Participants in Face‐to‐face group reduced binge episodes (P<0.01) but not in web‐based group. Better improvements were observed in web‐based group for EDE shape concern (p=0.01), weight concern (p<0.05), and global score (p<0.05) than face‐to‐face group.ConclusionWeb‐based treatment program could potentially be an effective approach for binge eating disorder patients. Large scale randomized clinical trials are warranted to further assess the efficacy of web‐based approaches in treating eating disorders.Support or Funding InformationUs Women and Girls' Health Endowed Research Professorship; Complimantory telemedicine software from Fruit Street Company
Objectives
Web-based treatment programs have shown encouraging results in reducing symptoms in Binge Eating Disorder (BED) patients in European studies but no significant studies have been conducted with American subjects. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the efficacy of a web-based outpatient treatment program in overweight and obese females diagnosed with BED in the United States.
Methods
A total of 12 overweight or obese women with BED, aged 20–73, were analyzed in this study. In face-to-face (FF) group (n = 8), participants received a total 12 one-on-one weekly counseling from either a mental health counselor or a Registered Dietitian (RD) sessions. In web-based (WB) group (n = 4), participants received the same counseling through an online telemedicine software program. Outcomes were measured at 3 months including questionnaires SCL-90R (Symptom Checklist 90 Revised), BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory II), and IWQOL-Lite (Impact of Weight on Quality of Life – short form) assessing psychological health, and quality of life. Between group and within group differences were examined.
Results
In the end of study, significant improvements were observed in WB group for SCL-90R depression scale (P = 0.000), and IWQOL total score (P = 0.02). There were no significant changes in FF participants. There were no differences between two groups in the end of program neither.
Conclusions
Web-based treatment programs could potentially be an effective approach for binge eating disorder patients. Large scale randomized clinical trials are warranted to further assess the efficacy of web-based approaches in treating eating disorders.
Funding Sources
Us Women and Girls’ Health Endowed Research Professorship; Complimentary telemedicine software from Fruit Street company.
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