Behavioral weight loss treatment for adults with binge‐eating disorder: A qualitative analysis of patients' perspectives and experiences

Abstract

ObjectiveUnderstanding the perspectives of behavioral weight loss (BWL) participants could inform whether, how, and for whom BWL should be offered.MethodAll 126 participants in a clinical trial of BWL for adults with binge‐eating disorder (BED) and overweight/obesity were contacted about a qualitative study. 45 participants, 11 of whom had dropped out of the parent study, completed qualitative interviews. The interview guide was developed using data from a survey of providers who offer Health at Every Size and other weight‐neutral lifestyle interventions. Questions were phrased to invite even the most negative responses. Questions focused on participants' experiences of weight stigma during treatment, perceptions of BWL's calorie and WL goals, and opinions of BWL and weight‐neutral interventions.ResultsWe identified four themes using thematic analysis: (1) BWL did not perpetuate weight stigma. (2) Calorie and WL goals did not exacerbate participants' binge eating. (3) Patients should have the right to pursue any treatment that aligns with their personal goals. (4) BWL can improve participants' overall health.DiscussionBWL participants with BED and overweight/obesity want others to have access to a program that can reduce both weight and binge eating. Participants emphasized that no treatment works for everyone, and they all agreed that BWL had not perpetuated weight stigma. Fewer than 20% of participants considered the program's calorie and WL goals to be harmful; most participants viewed those goals as achievable and helpful, and many asserted that their participation in BWL had improved their overall health.Public SignificanceWe interviewed adults with binge‐eating disorder and overweight/obesity who had participated in a behavioral weight loss (BWL) program. Our participants wanted others in their position to have access to BWL because it aims to reduce both weight and binge‐eating frequency. Efforts should be made to provide patients, clinicians, and policymakers with the knowledge that supervised, evidence‐based BWL is an effective and desired treatment choice for this population.