Binge Eating in the Obese

Abstract

This review will first describe problems in the definition of the term binge eating, especially in the absence of purging (vomiting, laxative abuse). We highlight current approaches in the classification of obesity, and then provide an overview of the available literature on differences between obese binge eaters and obese non-binge eaters. Many studies indicate that binge eating is common among the female obese, with a frequency ranging from 23 to 46% among those seeking treatment for weight reduction. Despite differences in the definitions of binge eating and variability among the samples investigated, there is strong evidence that binge eaters represent a distinct subgroup among the obese. Binge eating obese exhibit significantly more eating and weight-related pathology, as well as more psychopathology compared to their non-binge eating obese counterparts.

Prevalence of and risk factors for binge eating behaviour in 6930 adults starting a weight loss or maintenance programme

“…The most likely explanation for this difference is that we did not restrict our analysis to young obese women as done by most studies (7,31,32) . Including males, elders and normal-weight subjects, as we deliberately did here, is expected to decrease the overall prevalence of BE.…”

Binge eating disorder and night eating syndrome: Psychological and behavioral characteristics

“…of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994) has spawned a considerable body of research (de Zwaan & Mitchell, 1992). Using DSM-IV criteria, the defining characteristics of BED are (1) consumption of an objectively large amount of food in a discrete time period, (2) a lack of control during the eating episode, and (3) a lack of compensatory behavior following a binge (APA, 1994).…”

Night eating and weight change in middle-aged men and women

“…1,2 One group of behavioural traits that may generate imbalance in the energy regulation by increasing energy intake, and hence possibly relate to obesity and weight gain, are abnormal eating patterns such as restrained eating, binge eating and night eating. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] The night-eating syndrome was described in 1955 as a condition characterised by morning anorexia (minimal or no calorie intake at breakfast), evening hyperphagia (at least 50% of daily calorie intake after the evening meal) and insomnia, and it has later been broadened to include night time awakenings with food intake. [11][12][13][14] Several studies have used this definition and found frequencies of the night-eating syndrome ranging from 8 to 27% among obese patients.…”