​

Success in weight loss often requires a multimodal treatment approach that can include multiple disciplines. Most studies coalesce around the idea that improving the behavior of excessive eating (binging) is associated with better weight loss outcomes (1). Recognition of an underlying psychiatric disorders was found to be paramount to weight control in a significant percentage of overweight / obese individuals. There are many psychiatric disorders that may contribute to sustained weight gain, hence the need to evaluate and manage.

​

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) is a syndrome that may contribute to obesity in some individuals. Some of the characteristics of Binge eating disorder (BED) include frequent eating binges and loss of control over eating, as described in the Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Ed. BED has been associated with medical and psychiatric morbidity (3).

 

Recommendations: The treatment recommendations vary and in most cases Intensive behavioral Counseling/ Behavioral -based weight loss and treatment of any underlying conditions will likely provide greater success (4).

​

1. Gorin AA, Niemeier HM et al. Binge Eating and Weight Loss Outcomes in Overweight and Obese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: Results from the Look AHEAD Trial. ARCH GEN Psychiatry/Vol 65 (No. 12), Dec 2008.

​

2. Hudson JI, Lalonde JK, et al. Binge-Eating Disorder as a Distinct Familial Phenotype in Obese Individuals. ARCH GEN PSYCHIATRY/VOL 63, MAR 2006.

​

3. US Preventive Services Task Force. Behavioral Weight Loss Interventions to Prevent Obesity-Related Morbidity and Mortality in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2018;320(11):1163–1171. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.13022