Guided self‐help to manage binge eating in a dietetic‐led community weight management service

Abstract

An estimated 30% of patients accessing community weight management services experience symptoms of binge eating disorder (BED). Guided self-help (GSH) is the recommended first line of treatment for BED. This study is a preliminary investigation into the effectiveness of GSH delivered by dietitians for patients with binge eating within a weight management service and a consideration of the association between wellbeing, therapeutic relationship and outcomes. The study was conducted as a single group, pre- and post-intervention study with 24 patients reporting symptoms of binge eating who completed the self-help manual with guidance from a trained community dietitian. Primary outcomes were eating disorder psychopathology and behaviours (Eating Disorder Evaluation Questionnaire), depression and anxiety. Principle results showed a significant reduction on all subscales of eating disorder psychopathology, anxiety and depression. There was a reduction in loss of control over eating but the 40% reduction in binge episodes was not statistically significant. Mid-treatment sessional ratings were positively associated with outcome. In conclusion, the GSH intervention was appropriate for dietitian delivery to patients with obesity and binge eating behaviour. This research indicates potential for other dietetic-led weight management services to deliver such interventions and support patients with binge eating accessing their service.

Adapting an online guided self‐help intervention for the management of binge eating in adults with type 2 diabetes: The POSE‐D study

“…A qualitative process study showed the value of assessing service user's readiness to change at the start of the intervention and the importance of Guide's qualities and skills 12 . More recently, we have shown that GSH can be used effectively when delivered within a weight management service in Leeds for helping people with obesity to manage their binge‐eating problems 20 …”

“…12 More recently, we have shown that GSH can be used effectively when delivered within a weight management service in Leeds for helping people with obesity to manage their binge-eating problems. 20 The intervention is comprised of three components: the GSH materials, the Guidance and the Guide training and supervision.…”

The Efficacy of eHealth Interventions for the Treatment of Adults Diagnosed With Full or Subthreshold Binge Eating Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…Despite the limited number of studies, statistically significant results demonstrated the effectiveness of internet-based CBT, in combination with GSH treatment, in reducing binge episodes, ED psychopathology, and shape and weight concerns. Although the efficacy of conventional CBT therapy has been well demonstrated [46][47][48], currently there is insufficient data to claim that internet-based CBT has an evidence base or effect size that is comparable with in-person CBT.…”