Is binge eating associated with poor weight loss outcomes in people with a high body weight? A systematic review with meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to compare the weight change in people with or without binge eating who underwent various weight loss treatments. METHODS: We searched for studies in PubMed, American Psychological Association, and Embase from inception to January 2022. The studies selected included assessment of binge eating and body weight before and after weight loss treatment in people of any age. The meta-analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA). We used Egger's regression test, the funnel plot, and the Trim and Fill test to assess the risk of publication bias. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies were included in the systematic review, with a total of 10.184 participants. The included studies were divided into three categories according to types of weight loss treatments, namely, (1) bariatric surgery; (2) pharmacotherapy isolated or combined with behavioral interventions; and (3) behavioral and/or nutritional interventions. The meta-analyses showed no significant difference in weight loss between people with or without binge eating engaged in weight loss treatments, with an overall effect size of - 0.117 (95% CI - 0.405 to 0.171; P = 0.426). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed no difference in weight loss in people with or without pre-treatment binge eating who received various weight loss treatments. Weight loss treatments should not be withheld on the basis that they will not be effective in people with pre-treatment binge eating, albeit their safety and longer term impacts are unclear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, at least one properly designed randomized controlled trials; systematic reviews and meta-analyses; experimental studies.

Evaluation of a combined, online intervention for binge-type eating disorders and high body weight in young adults.

BACKGROUND: Binge-type eating disorders (EDs; i.e., bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder) are common among young adults with high body weight, yet few interventions target both conditions. This study tested an online guided self-help intervention that provided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tools for EDs and behavioral weight loss (BWL) content to young adults with binge-type EDs and high body weight. METHOD: 60 adults aged 18-39 with clinical/subclinical binge-type EDs and high body weight were randomized to a combined condition or a CBT-only condition. Participants received self-help content for 8 weeks and self-reported ED attitudes, frequency of binge eating and compensatory behaviors, and weight at baseline, 4-weeks, and 8-weeks. Linear mixed models and negative binomial models compared changes between conditions in ED attitudes, ED behaviors, and weight at each timepoint. Chi-square test and independent samples t-test compared program completion and session engagement between conditions. RESULTS: No significant differences in weight change or ED symptom change emerged between the conditions. Both conditions achieved significant reductions in ED attitudes, binge episodes, and compensatory behaviors from baseline to 8-weeks (ps < .05). Neither condition demonstrated significant weight loss from baseline to 8-weeks. Program completion (47 %) and session engagement (57 %) were equally high across conditions. DISCUSSION: Both conditions achieved ED symptom change; however, neither condition was associated with weight change. Research is needed to identify the types of strategies and doses of BWL that promote clinically significant weight and ED symptom change in young adults.

Change in adaptive and maladaptive exercise and objective physical activity throughout CBT for individuals with eating disorders.

Maladaptive exercise (i.e., exercise that compensates for binge eating or is used to avoid negative consequences of not exercising-like weight gain) is a common eating disorder (ED) behavior, yet, some individuals with EDs only engage in adaptive exercise. CBT for EDs targets reducing maladaptive exercise but does not address adaptive exercise. Thus, research is limited on how adaptive and maladaptive exercise are impacted during CBT for EDs. The current study examined how assessor-rated adaptive and maladaptive exercise and objectively measured physical activity changed over a 12-week CBT treatment among adults with transdiagnostic binge eating and restrictive eating that did and did not engage in maladaptive exercise at the start of treatment (n = 13 non-maladaptive exercise group, n = 17 maladaptive exercise group). The overall amount of adaptive and maladaptive exercise was measured via the Eating Disorder Examination Interview and objectively measured physical activity (e.g., step count, minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) was measured via a wrist-worn fitness tracker. Throughout treatment, the overall amount of adaptive exercise did not significantly change for both groups, but the overall amount of maladaptive exercise significantly decreased in the maladaptive exercise group. Step count did not significantly change for both groups, but minutes of MVPA significantly increased over treatment for the non-maladaptive exercise group. Increases in step count and minutes of MVPA were not associated with ED symptom changes in either group. These results enhance an understanding of exercise changes during transdiagnostic CBT-based ED treatment for individuals with varying baseline exercise profiles.Level of evidence: Level 1, randomized controlled trial.

Emotional Eating and Binge Eating Disorders and Night Eating Syndrome in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-A Vicious Circle of Disease: A Systematic Review.

Obesity is an established risk factor for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially phenotype A. PCOS is an important cause of fertility disorders in a large group of women of reproductive age. For many years, effective methods of treating hormonal disorders associated with PCOS have been sought in order to restore ovulation with regular menstrual cycles. Numerous studies support obesity treatment as an effective therapeutic method for many women. A seemingly simple method of treatment may prove to be particularly difficult in this group of women. The reason for this may be the lack of recognition the primary cause of obesity development or the occurrence of a vicious circle of disease. Primary causes of developing obesity may be emotional eating (EE) and eating disorders (EDs), such as binge eating disorder (BED) and its extreme form, addictive eating, as well as night eating syndrome (NES). All of these are caused by impaired function of the reward system. Consequently, these disorders can develop or be exacerbated in women with obesity and PCOS as a result of depression and anxiety related to hirsutism and fertility disturbances. Therefore, for the effective treatment of obesity, it is very important to recognize and treat EE, BED, and NES, including the appropriate selection of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Therefore, the aim of our manuscript is to analyze the available data on the relationships between EE, BED, NES, obesity, and PCOS and their impact on the treatment of obesity in women with PCOS.

Intervención multidisciplinar en línea para mujeres con trastorno por atracón / Multidisciplinary online intervention for women with binge eating disorder

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de una intervención multidisciplinar en línea (psicológica, médica y nutricional) en mujeres con trastornos por atracón (TpA). Método: participaron 5 mujeres diagnosticadas con TpA con una edad promedio de 43.2 años y un peso corporal inicial promedio de 90 kg. El tratamiento se realizó durante 24 sesiones, cada una de dos horas por semana; la primera hora era terapia grupal y la segunda individual. Se contó con cuatro momentos de evaluación: pre, post y dos seguimientos Resultados: Las comparaciones se realizaron a través de la prueba no paramétrica de Friedman, encontrando una disminución estadísticamente significativa de la sintomatología de atracón pre χ1= 30.30 al segundo seguimiento χ2=10.80 (x2=12.84; p=.005), sintomatología de ansiedad χ1= 28.80 χ2=12.40 (x2=10.83.96; p=.013) y depresión χ1= 19.80, χ2=4.0 (x2=10.18; p=.017). Se observó mejoría en la comprensión χ1= 21.00, χ2=30.20 (x2=9.63; p=.025) y regulación emocional χ1= 28.40 χ2=33.00, (x2=7.77; p=.050). Las pacientes redujeron su peso corporal, mejoraron hábitos alimentarios introduciendo fruta y verdura diariamente e incluyeron la actividad física en su rutina diaria, realizando de 20 a 30 minutos diarios. A partir del cambio clínico objetivo se observó un cambio positivo en las variables abordadas en tratamiento en todas las participantes. Conclusiones: Se puede observar que la intervención multidisciplinaria en línea fue efectiva en el tratamiento de TpA en mujeres.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary online intervention (psychological, medical, and nutritional) in women with binge eating disorder (BED). Method: 5 women diagnosed with BED with a mean age of 43.2 years and a mean initial body weight of 90 kg participated. The treatment was carried out during 24 sessions, each of two hours per week; the first hour was group therapy and the second individual. There were four moments of evaluation: pre, post and two follow-ups. Results: The comparisons were made through the non-parametric Friedman test, finding a statistically significant decrease in binge eating symptoms before χ1= 30.30 at the second follow-up χ2 =10.80 (x2=12.84; p=.005), symptoms of anxiety χ1= 28.80, χ2=12.40 (x2=10.83.96; p=.013) and depression χ1= 19.80, χ2=4.0 (x2= 10.18, p=.017). Improvement was observed in comprehension χ1= 21.00, χ2=30.20 (x2=9.63; p=.025) and emotional regulation χ1= 28.40 χ2=33.00, (x2=7.77; p=.050). The patients reduced their body weight, improved their eating habits by introducing fruit and vegetables daily and included physical activity in their daily routine, performing 20 to 30 minutes a day. From the objective clinical change, a positive change was observed in the variables addressed in treatment in all the participants. Conclusions: The online multidisciplinary intervention was effective in the treatment of BED in women.

Proof of Concept for a Mindfulness-Informed Intervention for Eating Disorder Symptoms, Self-Efficacy, and Emotion Regulation among Bariatric Surgery Candidates.

Up to 64% of patients seeking bariatric (weight-loss) surgery report eating disorder (ED) symptoms (addictive-like eating, binge eating, emotional eating, grazing) that can interfere with post-surgical weight loss. This prospective proof-of-concept study aimed to evaluate the impact of a pre-surgical mindfulness-informed intervention (MII) on ED symptoms and potential mechanisms-of-action to inform optimization of the intervention. Surgery-seeking adults attended four, 2-hour, MII sessions held weekly. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing ED symptoms, eating self-efficacy, emotion regulation, and mindful eating pre-MII, post-MII, and at a 12-week follow-up. The MII consisted of mindfulness training, with cognitive, behavioral, and psychoeducational components. Fifty-six patients (M = 47.41 years old, 89.3% female) participated. Improvements in addictive-like eating, binge eating, emotional eating, and grazing were observed from pre- to post-MII. ED symptom treatment gains were either maintained or improved further at 12-week follow-up. Eating self-efficacy and emotion regulation improved from pre-MII to follow-up. Scores on the mindful eating questionnaire deteriorated from pre-MII to follow-up. In mediation analyses, there was a combined indirect effect of emotion regulation, eating self-efficacy, and mindful eating on grazing and binge eating, and an indirect effect of emotion regulation on emotional eating and addictive-like eating. Participation in the MII was associated with improvements in ED symptoms and some mechanisms-of-action, establishing proof-of-concept for the intervention. Future work to establish the MII's efficacy in a randomized controlled trial is warranted.

Perfil e curso do tratamento de pacientes atendidos em um serviço especializado em transtornos alimentares / Profile and course of treatment of patients with eating disorders treated in a specialized service

O curso do tratamento dos transtornos alimentares (TA) tende a evoluir com minoria dos pacientes atingindo remissão do quadro clínico e mantendo a recuperação ao longo da vida. Fatores de diversas naturezas impactam no prognóstico dessas situações, sem consenso sobre os indicadores mais favoráveis, além da inexistência de dados nacionais sobre essa temática. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil dos pacientes com TA atendidos por um serviço especializado e investigar os fatores associados ao desfecho do tratamento. Trata-se de um estudo de natureza transversal, de caráter retrospectivo, descritivo, exploratório com delineamento quantitativo realizado com dados de todos os pacientes com TA que fizeram seguimento pelo Grupo de Assistência em Transtornos Alimentares do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, da Universidade de São Paulo (GRATA-HC-FMRP-USP) desde a sua criação, em 1982, até 2019. Foram coletadas informações, nos prontuários médicos, referentes ao primeiro atendimento, de natureza sociodemográfica, clínica, antropométrica e bioquímica, e o desfecho do tratamento. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva pelo programa SPSS versão 22.0. Para verificar a associação entre as variáveis categóricas, foi utilizado o teste Qui-Quadrado ou o teste exato de Fisher; para relacionar as variáveis numéricas, o teste de Kruskal-Wallis e para os testes de regressão logística de Poisson com variância robusta, foi utilizado o R Core Team versão 4.0.1, cujo nível de significância foi de 0.05. Como resultados, foram localizados 271 prontuários elegíveis para a pesquisa, cuja amostra foi predominantemente feminina (89,7%), considerada jovem (21,5±9 anos), solteira (86,9%%), com diagnóstico de anorexia nervosa (AN) (65,7%), seguido por BN (21,4%), que apresentava magreza (56,3%), e com média de Índice de Massa Corporal-IMC no limite mínimo da normalidade (18,5±5,3Kg/m²), com hipercolesterolemia (45,9%), e níveis inadequados de albumina e vitamina C (46,8% e 73,1%, respectivamente). A metade dos indivíduos tinha comorbidades psiquiátricas (50,6%) e 88,5% (n=100) dos 113 prontuários com essa informação, realizaram tratamento anterior. O tempo médio de tratamento foi de 26,8±39,1 meses (1 a 480 meses). O abandono foi o desfecho terapêutico mais prevalente na amostra (68,3%), seguido de alta hospitalar (22,5%). O menor tempo de tratamento e não ter realizado tratamento anterior influenciaram significativamente o abandono (p=0,0001 e p=0,0101, respectivamente). Para aqueles pacientes que foram encaminhados para outros serviços ou receberam alta por não seguirem as orientações (inassistência), houve relação com ferro sérico baixo (p=0,0398) e o diagnóstico de transtorno de personalidade (p=0,0003). Como conclusão, o perfil dos pacientes atendidos pelo serviço representa características sociodemográficas, clinicas e nutricionais da AN. A taxa de abandono foi elevada e os preditores associados a esse desfecho foram o tempo de tratamento e a realização de tratamento anterior para o TA. Espera-se que esses achados possam subsidiar o aprimoramento da prática clínica com a sugestão de alvos terapêuticos específicos na busca de melhor prognóstico para essas graves doenças mentais

The course of treatment for eating disorders (ED) tends to evolve with a minority of patients reaching remission of the clinical condition and maintaining recovery throughout life. Factors of different natures impact the prognosis of these situations, with no consensus on the most favorable indicators, besides the lack of national data on this topic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the profile of patients with ED treated by a specialized service and investigate the factors associated with the treatment outcome. This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive, exploratory study with a quantitative design performed with data from all patients with ED who were followed up by the Assistance Group for Eating Disorders of the Clinical Hospital from Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (GRATA-HC-FMRP-USP) since its creation, 1982, until 2019. Sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric, biochemical and the treatment outcome information was collected from the medical records concerning the first appointment. Data were descriptively analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. To verify the association between categorical variables, the Chi-Square test or Fisher's exact test was used; to relate the numerical variables, the Kruskal-Wallis test and for the Poisson logistic regression tests with robust variance, the R Core Team version 4.0.1 was used, whose significance level was 0.05. The data on the 271 eligible medical records located, indicated a sample predominantly female (89.7%), considered young (21.5±9 years), single (86.9%), diagnosed with AN (65 .7%), followed by BN (21.4%), who was thin (56.3%), and with an average body mass index-BMI at the minimum limit of normality (18.5±5.3Kg/m²), with hypercholesterolemia (45.9%), and inadequate levels of Albumin and Vitamin C (46.8% and 73.1%, respectively). Half of the individuals had psychiatric comorbidities (50.6%) and 88.5% (n=100) of the 113 records with this data, had undergone previous treatment. Mean treatment time was 26.8±39.1 months (1 to 480 months). Dropout was the most prevalent therapeutic outcome the sample (68.3%), followed by hospital discharge (22.5%). The results suggest that the shorter duration of treatment and not having undergone previous treatment significantly influenced dropout (p=0.0001 and p=0.0101, respectively). For those patients who were referred to other services or were discharged for not following the orientations (non-attendance), there was a relationship with low serum iron (p=0.0398) and a diagnosis of personality disorder (p=0.0003). In conclusion, the profile of patients assisted by the service represents AN's sociodemographic, clinical and nutritional characteristics. The dropout rate was high and the predictors associated with this outcome were the length of treatment and previous treatment for ED. It is expected that these findings may support the improvement of clinical practice with the suggestion of specific therapeutic targets in the pursuit for a better prognosis for these serious mental illnesses

A Group Intervention for Individuals With Obesity and Comorbid Binge Eating Disorder: Results From a Feasibility Study.

Purpose: A common challenge among a subgroup of individuals with obesity is binge eating, that exists on a continuum from mild binge eating episodes to severe binge eating disorder (BED). BED is common among bariatric patients and the prevalence of disordered eating and ED in bariatric surgery populations is well known. Conventional treatments and assessment of obesity seldom address the underlying psychological mechanisms of binge eating and subsequent obesity. This study, titled PnP (People need People) is a psychoeducational group pilot intervention for individuals with BED and obesity including patients with previous bariatric surgery. Design, feasibility, and a broad description of the study population is reported. Material and Methods: A total of 42 patients were from an obesity clinic referred to assessment and treatment with PnP in a psychoeducational group setting (3-hour weekly meetings for 10 weeks). Of these, 6 (14.3%) patients had a previous history of bariatric surgery. Feasibility was assessed by tracking attendance, potentially adverse effects and outcome measures including body mass index (BMI), eating disorder pathology, overvaluation of shape and weight, impairment, self-reported childhood difficulties, alexithymia, internalized shame as well as health related quality of life (HRQoL). Results: All 42 patients completed the intervention, with no adverse effects and a high attendance rate with a median attendance of 10 sessions, 95% CI (8.9,9.6) and 0% attrition. Extent of psychosocial impairment due to eating disorder pathology, body dissatisfaction and severity of ED symptoms were high among the patients at baseline. Additionally, self-reported childhood difficulties, alexithymia, and internalized shame were high among the patients and indicate a need to address underlying psychological mechanisms in individuals with BED and comorbid obesity. Improvement of HRQoL and reduction of binge eating between baseline and the end of the intervention was observed with a medium effect. Conclusion: This feasibility study supports PnP as a potential group psychoeducational intervention for patients living with BED and comorbid obesity. Assessments of BED and delivery of this intervention may optimize selection of candidates and bariatric outcomes. These preliminary results warrant further investigation via a randomized control trial (RCT) to examine the efficacy and effectiveness of PnP.

[Eating disorders and obesity in adolescents: Another challenge of our times]. / Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria y obesidad en adolescentes: Otro desafío de nuestros tiempos.

Obesity (OB) and feeding and eating disorders (FED) are complex and prevalent pathologies in ado lescents. OB has been shown to be a risk factor for developing binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, and vice versa, these FED also develop OB. However, obese adolescents may present atypical or sub-threshold criteria for FED. The objective of this review is to describe the epidemiological, cli nical, and therapeutic relationship between FED and OB in adolescents, with emphasis on the urgent need for research and collaboration among professionals in the fields of mental health and nutrition.

Physical activity changes during behavioral weight loss treatment by Latinx patients with obesity with and without binge eating disorder.

OBJECTIVE: This secondary analysis examined physical activity (PA) changes and their prognostic significance among Latinx patients with obesity, with and without binge eating disorder (BED), who participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial testing the addition of orlistat to behavioral weight-loss (BWL) treatment in a "real-world" clinical setting. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial at a community mental health center serving economically disadvantaged Spanish-speaking-only Latinx patients, 79 patients with obesity (40 with BED and 39 without BED) received BWL treatment and were randomized to orlistat or placebo. PA, weight, depression, and binge eating were assessed at baseline, posttreatment (end of treatment [4 months]), and the 6-month follow-up (10 months after baseline). RESULTS: PA was low at baseline (9.3% categorized as "active"), increased during treatment (32.9% categorized as "active" at posttreatment), and declined from posttreatment to the 6-month follow-up (28.2% classified as "active"). At baseline, PA was lower among patients with BED than those without BED. Changes in PA during and after treatment did not differ by BED status or medication condition. PA change was associated with reduced depression but not weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Latinx patients with obesity receiving BWL treatment achieved significant, albeit modest, increases in PA. Although PA changes were not associated with weight loss, they were associated with reduced depression. Identifying methods to increase PA further is necessary.

Evolución y tratamiento de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en adolescentes: serie de casos / Treatment of eating disorders in adolescents: case series

Los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria son enfermedades de elevada prevalencia en la adolescencia y tienen repercusión en la salud integral. El objetivo fue describir su evolución y tratamiento en un grupo de adolescentes. Se estudiaron adolescentes menores de 18 años con al menos 6 meses de seguimiento y tratados por un equipo interdisciplinario. Se incluyeron 41 adolescentes: 23 presentaron anorexia nerviosa; 9, trastornos alimentarios no especificados; 7, bulimia nerviosa y 2, trastorno por atracones. El 35 % de pacientes con anorexia nerviosa requirió internación por complicaciones de la desnutrición. El 69 % de las pacientes con anorexia nerviosa, el 57 % de quienes tenían bulimia nerviosa y el 78 % de quienes tenían un trastorno alimentario no especificado presentaron remisión total o parcial, y no hubo pacientes fallecidos. La mayoría presentó una evolución favorable con el tratamiento.

Eating disorders are highly prevalent diseases in adolescence and have an impact on overall health. The objective was to describe the evolution and treatment of eating disorders in adolescents. Adolescents under 18 years of age with at least 6 months of follow-up and treated by an interdisciplinary team were studied. Forty one adolescents were included, 23 presented anorexia nervosa, 9 unspecified eating disorders, 7 bulimia nervosa and 2 binge eating disorders. Thirty five percent of patients with anorexia nervosa required hospitalization for complications of malnutrition. Sixty nine percent of the patients with anorexia nervosa, 57 % with bulimia nervosa, and 78 % with unspecified eating disorders had total or partial remission and there were no deceased patients. The majority presented a favorable evolution with the treatment.

Identification of Behavior Change Techniques From Successful Web-Based Interventions Targeting Alcohol Consumption, Binge Eating, and Gambling: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Web-based interventions are thought to overcome barriers to treatment, such as accessibility and geographical location, which can undermine the effectiveness of traditional face-to-face interventions. Owing to these features, researchers are increasingly testing the efficacy of web-based interventions as ways to reduce alcohol misuse, binge eating, and gambling. However, many web-based interventions have poorly defined mechanisms of action; therefore, it is often uncertain how they propose to bring about behavior change. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to identify effective behavior change techniques (BCTs) present in web-based interventions aimed at reducing alcohol consumption, binge eating, or gambling. METHODS: This systematic review covered research conducted in the last 20 years. Inclusion criteria for interventions were web-based administration; targeting alcohol use, binge eating, and/or gambling; and reporting on baseline and postintervention measures of behavior. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines were followed. We coded intervention effectiveness, study quality, and BCTs present in the interventions. RESULTS: Following removal of 4152 ineligible articles, 45 were included in the review: 32 (71%) targeted alcohol misuse, 6 (13%) targeted binge eating, and 7 (16%) targeted gambling. In total, 5 frequency counts were performed to identify the most commonly used BCTs: all studies, effective interventions, high-quality studies at 2 thresholds, and both high quality and effective studies. The results obtained from this were integrated to identify 7 BCTs. These 7 BCTs were problem solving, feedback on behavior, self-monitoring of behavior, self-monitoring of outcomes, instruction on how to perform a behavior, information about social and health consequences, and social comparison. A total of 4 BCTs were found in all frequency counts: feedback on behavior, self-monitoring of behavior, instruction on how to perform a behavior, and social comparison. Self-monitoring of outcomes of behavior was found in 3 of the 5 frequency counts, problem solving was found in 2 frequency counts, and information about social and health consequences was found in 1 frequency count. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review identified 7 of the most frequently used BCTs used in web-based interventions focused on alcohol misuse, binge eating, and gambling. These results can inform the development of evidence-based eHealth interventions that have the potential to lead to effective, positive behavior changes in all 3 areas.

Binge Eating Disorder: What Is the Role of Physical Activity Associated with Dietary and Psychological Treatment?

Binge eating patients present lower physical activity levels, which could be associated with lower exercise capacity. Specific physical activity can ensure broad beneficial results relating to eating disorders, depression, and body mass index (BMI) in bulimia; however, research on binge eating disorder (BED) is scarce. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of specific training as an addition to conventional treatment of eating disorder symptoms, anthropometric characteristics, and physical performance. Nineteen women with BED were included in a dietary and cognitive-behavioral therapy program. After medical examination, 10 women carried out Combined Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Training in addition to conventional treatment (CAAET group), whereas the remaining 9 followed the conventional treatment alone (CTRL group). All of the measurements were assessed before and after six months of treatment. In both groups, we observed a significant decrease in binge episodes, weight, and body mass index, and an increase in exercise capacity. Moreover, the CAAET group presented a greater improvement in aerobic performance than that observed in the CTRL group. Our results suggest that both interventions similarly improved BED symptoms. The addition of physical activity could be important in the long-term maintenance of both weight loss and reduction in binge episodes in BED patients.

Deep Brain Stimulation in the Nucleus Accumbens for Binge Eating Disorder: a Study in Rats.

Binge eating disorder (BED), with its compulsive and addictive components, may often underlie weight regain after gastrointestinal bariatric surgeries. BED is therefore considered an exclusion criterion for these surgeries. Anecdotal reports suggest that deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for addictive disorders with, similar to BED, pathological changes in cerebral reward circuitry. We therefore assessed effect of DBS of the nucleus accumbens (NAC) in a rat model of BED. Twenty-one male obesity prone Wistar rats with DBS electrodes placed in NAC subregions were subjected to a binge eating protocol. Binge eating was significantly reduced with DBS during (NAC core) or before (NAC lateral shell) the binge. These outcomes provide a base to further explore the potential of DBS in the treatment of BED.

Adherence as a predictor of dropout in Internet-based guided self-help for adults with binge-eating disorder and overweight or obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Internet-based guided self-help (GSH-I) is an efficacious treatment for adults with binge-eating disorder (BED) and overweight or obesity. Although broadly accessible, high dropout from GSH-I has been reported. However, little is known about the factors explaining dropout from GSH-I, including patients' adherence to treatment. METHOD: Within a randomized trial on the treatment of BED, adherence to 4-month GSH-I was objectively assessed in N = 89 patients with BED and overweight or obesity. Objective adherence and subjective treatment evaluation were evaluated as predictors of dropout from GSH-I, defined as having accessed 5 or less of 11 modules. Cutoffs with optimal sensitivity and specificity were derived using Receiver Operating Characteristics curves analysis, and baseline sociodemographic and clinical correlates were determined. RESULTS: According to our definition, n = 22 (24.7%) patients were defined as dropouts. Results of the full logistic regression model accounted for 72% of the variance in dropout and all objective adherence parameters (i.e., number of messages exchanged, days with a completed food diary, and days spent per module), but not patients' subjective GSH-I evaluation significantly predicted dropout. Specifically, not completing the food diary in week 7 had maximized sensitivity and specificity in predicting dropout. Patients' body mass index was positively associated with the number of messages exchanged between patients and coaches. No other associations between baseline variables and objective adherence were found. DISCUSSION: Patients at risk for dropout from GSH-I can be reliably identified via monitoring of objective adherence and may be provided with additional interventions to prevent dropout.

Exposure therapy vs lifestyle intervention to reduce food cue reactivity and binge eating in obesity: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Learning models of overeating predict that exposure therapy is effective in reducing food cue reactivity and overeating. This pilot study tested an eight-session exposure therapy aimed at inhibitory learning vs. an active control condition aimed at lifestyle improvement for obesity (treatment-as-usual). Main outcomes are snacking behavior, eating psychopathology, food cue reactivity, and weight loss. Change in overeating expectancies was assessed as mediator for outcomes, and the associations between habituation of eating desires and outcomes were investigated in the exposure condition. Sleep quality was investigated as moderator for outcomes. METHODS: 45 overweight women were randomly assigned to the exposure intervention or control condition. The main outcomes, overeating expectancies and sleep quality were re-assessed at post-treatment and three-month follow-up. Habituation of eating desires was measured during exposure sessions. RESULTS: Compared to the control intervention, exposure led to a significantly stronger reduction in snacking behavior of exposed foods, though this effect did not generalize to non-exposed foods, and stronger binge eating frequency. The exposure condition lost significantly more weight at post-treatment and follow-up than the lifestyle condition. Changes of expectancies mediated the effect of condition on kcal consumption of exposed foods, while habituation during exposure was not related to better treatment outcome. Sleep quality did not moderate the effect of condition on treatment outcome. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and limited follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This short exposure therapy reduced snacking behavior, binge eating and weight more than a lifestyle intervention and is therefore a recommendable intervention for obesity and overeating disorders.

Dialectical behavior therapy guided self-help for binge-eating disorder.

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a prevalent and serious public health issue. BED is characterized by recurrent out-of-control binge eating episodes in the absence of extreme weight control behavior and is associated with significant psychosocial and physiological impairment. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), based on the affect regulation model of binge eating, is an evidence-based treatment (EBT) approach for BED. Unfortunately, access to EBTs is often limited due to geographical barriers (i.e., lack of local providers with specialized training in EBTs), lack of financial resources, and/or time constraints. Self-help approaches (via guided and unguided versions) to delivering DBT for BED offer a potentially effective means of more widely disseminating this treatment. Compared to traditional, higher intensity approaches, self-help DBT for BED is less time-consuming, less financially costly, and requires less need for specialized therapist-training. This paper will present how DBT for BED has been adapted for self-help delivery, review the limited but promising research on DBT self-help available to date, and provide directions for future research.

Telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy for female patients 1-year post-bariatric surgery: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Although bariatric surgery is a durable treatment for patients with severe obesity, it does not directly address behavioural and psychological factors that potentially contribute to weight regain post-surgery. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can be challenging to access due to physical limitations and practical barriers. Telephone-based CBT (Tele-CBT) can improve eating psychopathology and psychological distress before and after surgery. Given the frequent occurrence/recurrence of problematic eating-related and psychological issues many patients face 1-year post-surgery, this open-trial pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Tele-CBT delivered 1-year post-surgery as an adjunctive treatment to the usual standard of bariatric care. METHODS: Patients (n=43) received six 1-h Tele-CBT sessions delivered weekly beginning at 1-year post-surgery. Patients completed questionnaire packages before and after the intervention to assess changes in binge eating (BES), emotional eating (EES), depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7). RESULTS: Thirty-two patients completed Tele-CBT yielding a 74.4% completion rate. Participants reported significant improvements on the Binge Eating Scale (t(31)=3.794, p=0.001), Emotional Eating Scale (t(31)=3.508, p=0.001), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Item Scale (z=-2.371, p=0.018), and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 Item Scale (z=-3.546, p<0.001) immediately following Tele-CBT. DISCUSSION: The results demonstrate that Tele-CBT delivered 1-year post-surgery may improve binge eating, emotional eating, depression, and anxiety. Additional research is warranted to examine whether these changes translate into long-term improvements in bariatric surgery outcomes.

Examination of the Effectiveness of a Brief, Adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy-Skills Training Group for Bariatric Surgical Candidates.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, yet 20 to 30% of such patients regain weight approximately 2 years post-surgery. A psychological intervention adjunctive to bariatric surgery that addresses eating pathology often observed in bariatric populations may improve outcomes. In the present study, a brief, adapted DBT-ST group for bariatric surgical candidates was evaluated as an adjunctive intervention to bariatric surgery in the pre-surgical period to reduce eating pathology and clinical impairment. METHODS: Participants included 95 bariatric surgery candidates, with 50 candidates in the DBT-ST plus treatment as usual (TAU) group and 45 candidates in the TAU (i.e., comparison) group. Participants completed measures of eating pathology at three time points (i.e., T1 = pre-DBT-ST program; T2 = post-DBT-ST program; T3 = 4 months post-DBT-ST; comparable time points employed for TAU group). Average wait time for surgery following the pre-surgical program was approximately 2 to 4 months. RESULTS: A series of 2 (group: DBT-ST + TAU versus TAU) × 3 (assessment time: T1, T2, and T3) mixed-model ANOVAs were completed. Participants in the DBT-ST plus TAU group showed significant reductions in binge eating, emotional eating, global eating pathology, and clinical impairment related to eating difficulties over time in comparison to TAU. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrated that a brief DBT-ST group integrated as an adjunctive intervention to TAU in a bariatric pre-surgical program could aid in addressing eating pathology. Bariatric participants in a DBT-ST plus TAU group may be on a better weight loss trajectory than those who only receive TAU.