Binge size and loss of control as correlates of eating behavior and psychopathology among individuals with binge eating disorder and higher weight.

Studies comparing individuals with loss of control (LOC) eating who do and do not have objectively large binge episodes have found that degree of LOC is more important than binge size to psychological and behavioral outcomes. However, the relative importance of these characteristics has not been investigated in a population with binge eating disorder (BED), who by definition all have objectively large binge episodes. Persons with BED and higher weight (N = 34) were enrolled in a BED treatment trial and completed the Loss of Control Over Eating Scale, the Eating Disorder Examination, and measures of eating behavior, mood, and quality of life. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight. The size of the largest binge episode (measured in kilocalories) and degree of LOC were entered into multiple regression equations to determine their relationships with disordered eating symptoms, depression, quality of life, and BMI in this pilot study. Greater LOC had a stronger independent association than binge size with higher total eating psychopathology, shape dissatisfaction, hunger, food cravings and food addiction symptoms. Larger binge size had a stronger independent association than LOC with higher weight concern and lower general and social quality of life. Both characteristics were associated with higher eating concern and neither were associated with depression or BMI. Both binge size and degree of LOC are associated with important psychosocial treatment targets in patients with BED. Future research should validate the largest binge episode measurement method and replicate the present findings in a larger sample.

Weight and Eating Concerns in Women's Reproductive Health.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Women's weight status affects their reproductive functioning, and, likewise, women's lifetime weight trajectories are influenced by reproductive events. We examine the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, the postpartum period, and gynecological cancers with weight, body image, and other psychiatric issues. RECENT FINDINGS: Women with overweight or obesity are at higher risk for PCOS, and the mood and anxiety symptoms often comorbid with PCOS are linked to weight as well as the core symptoms of the disorder. Excessive gestational weight gain can influence one's body image and mood, and it predicts lasting effects on postpartum weight retention. Finally, overweight and obesity are related to several gynecological cancers. These diseases also impact mood, anxiety, and poor body image. Weight management interventions may be of some benefit in improving the disease states and pregnancy outcomes discussed here, but feasibility, logistics, and costs are issues that remain in delivering such interventions.

Psychopathology, disordered eating, and impulsivity as predictors of weight loss 24 months after metabolic and bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between theoretically relevant psychosocial and behavioral variables and outcomes of metabolic and bariatric surgery remains unclear. Some studies have found that the presence of psychopathology, disordered eating, and impulsivity, either before surgery or during the early postoperative period, is associated with suboptimal postoperative weight loss. Other studies have not found these relationships. OBJECTIVE: Examine the relationship between psychopathology, disordered eating, impulsivity, and weight loss 24 months postoperatively. SETTING: Two large, urban university health systems. METHODS: Participant characteristics were collected using validated interviews, patient-reported outcome measures, and computerized assessment methods. Linear mixed effect models were used to test the association of the variables of interest on percent weight loss (%WL). RESULTS: Three hundred participants were enrolled at baseline; weight data at 24 months were available for 227 participants; between 181 and 53 individuals completed other outcome measures. The mean %WL was 23.3 ± 9.9% at 24 months. Patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass lost more weight than those who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. The presence of subjective binge episodes at baseline was related to a greater %WL at 24 months; there were no other baseline predictors. The presence of eating disorder diagnoses and disordered eating symptoms after surgery were associated with smaller weight losses over 24 months. Current and lifetime psychopathology and impulsivity were unrelated to %WL at 24 months. CONCLUSION: Disordered eating after bariatric surgery was associated with a smaller %WL at postoperative year 2. Additional monitoring of these symptoms in the early postoperative period is recommended. Psychotherapeutic and/or dietary interventions may promote more optimal weight loss outcomes.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of liraglutide 3.0 mg for binge eating disorder.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of liraglutide 3.0 mg, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, for binge eating disorder (BED). Methods: Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 enrolled in a pilot, 17-week double-blind, randomized controlled trial of liraglutide 3.0 mg/day for BED. The primary outcome was number of objective binge episodes (OBEs)/week. Binge remission, weight change, and psychosocial variables were secondary outcomes. Mixed effect models were used for continuous variables, and generalized estimating equations were used for remission rates. Results: Participants (n = 27) were 44.2 ± 10.6 years; BMI = 37.9 ± 11.8 kg/m2; 63% women; and 59% White and 41% Black. At baseline, the liraglutide group (n = 13) reported 4.7 ± 0.7 OBEs/week, compared with 3.0 ± 0.7 OBEs/week for the placebo group, p = 0.07. At week 17, OBEs/week decreased by 4.0 ± 0.6 in liraglutide participants and by 2.5 ± 0.5 in placebo participants (p = 0.37, mean difference = 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.3, 2.0). BED remission rates of 44% and 36%, respectively, did not differ. Percent weight loss was significantly greater in the liraglutide versus the placebo group (5.2 ± 1.0% vs. 0.9 ± 0.7%, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Participants in both groups reported reductions in OBEs, with the liraglutide group showing clinically meaningful weight loss. A pharmacy medication dispensing error was a significant limitation of this study. Further research on liraglutide and other GLP-1 agonists for BED is warranted.

Changes in Eating Behaviors and Their Relation to Weight Change 6 and 12 Months After Bariatric Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Identifying eating behaviors associated with suboptimal weight loss following bariatric surgery remains important. This study assessed the relationship between eating behaviors and weight loss following bariatric surgery in a racially diverse sample. METHODS: Participants were assessed before surgery and 6 and 12 months postoperatively, with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, the Eating Disorder Examination-Bariatric Surgery Version, and validated measures assessing a range of eating behaviors. Linear mixed effect models were used to test the impact of eating behaviors on percent weight loss (%WL) at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: We enrolled 300 participants (mean age 40.1 years; BMI 45.9 kg/m2; 87% women; 62% Black and 30% White). The majority (82%) underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Mean %WL was 23.0 ± 5.1% at 6 months and 26.2 ± 7.6% at 12 months. Subjective binge episodes prior to surgery predicted greater %WL over the first 12 postoperative months (p = 0.028). Postoperative disinhibition, hunger, night eating symptoms, objective binge episodes, global disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, and snacks per day were associated with smaller %WL over 12 months (all p's < 0.01). The presence of picking/nibbling and addictive-like eating behaviors was not associated with %WL at the end of the first postoperative year. CONCLUSION: Among a diverse participant sample, problematic eating behaviors following surgery were associated with smaller %WL over 12 months. Postoperative assessment and treatment of eating behaviors are needed to address these issues as they arise and to prevent attenuation of early weight loss in some patients.

Psychopathology, disordered eating, and impulsivity in patients seeking bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Most patients who undergo bariatric surgery experience significant weight loss and improvements in obesity-related co-morbidities in the first 6-18 months after surgery. However, 20%-30% of patients experience suboptimal weight loss or significant weight regain within the first few postoperative years. Psychosocial functioning may contribute to suboptimal weight loss and/or postoperative psychosocial distress. OBJECTIVE: Assess psychosocial functioning, eating behavior, and impulsivity in patients seeking bariatric surgery. SETTING: Two university hospitals. METHODS: Validated interviews and questionnaires. Impulsivity assessed via computer program. RESULTS: The present study included a larger (n = 300) and more racially diverse (70% non-White) sample than previous studies of these relationships. Forty-eight percent of participants had a current psychiatric diagnosis and 78% had at least 1 lifetime diagnosis. Anxiety disorders were the most common current diagnosis (25%); major depressive disorder was the most common lifetime diagnosis (44%). Approximately 6% of participants had a current alcohol or substance use disorder; 7% had a positive drug screen before surgery. A current psychiatric diagnosis was associated with greater symptoms of food addiction and night eating. Current diagnosis of alcohol use disorder or a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety disorders was associated with higher delay discounting. CONCLUSION: The study identified high rates of psychopathology and related symptoms among a large, diverse sample of bariatric surgery candidates. Psychopathology was associated with symptoms of disordered eating and higher rates of delay discounting, suggesting impulse control issues.

Psychopathology, disordered eating, and impulsivity as predictors of outcomes of bariatric surgery.

Outcomes of bariatric surgery, while frequently impressive, are not universal and vary between patients and across surgical procedures. Between 20% and 30% of patients experience suboptimal weight loss or significant weight regain within the first few postoperative years. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but likely involve both physiologic processes, behavioral factors, and psychological characteristics. Evidence suggests that preoperative psychosocial status and functioning can contribute to suboptimal weight losses and/or postoperative psychosocial distress. Much of this work has focused on the presence of recognized psychiatric diagnoses and with particular emphasis on mood disorders as well as binge eating disorder. Several studies have suggested that the presence of preoperative psychopathology is associated with suboptimal weight losses, postoperative complications, and less positive psychosocial outcomes. Contemporary psychological theory suggests that it may be shared features across diagnoses, rather than a discrete diagnosis, that better characterizes psychopathology. Mood and substance use disorders as well as binge eating disorder, share common features of impulsivity, although clinicians and researchers often use complementary, yet different terms, such as emotional dysregulation or disinhibition (i.e., loss of control over eating, as applied to food intake), to describe the phenomenon. Impulse control is a central factor in eating behavior and extreme obesity. It also may contribute to the experience of suboptimal outcomes after bariatric surgery, including smaller than expected weight loss and psychosocial distress. This paper reviews the literature in these areas of research and articulates a direction for future studies of these complex relationships among persons with extreme obesity.

Disordered eating and obesity: associations between binge-eating disorder, night-eating syndrome, and weight-related comorbidities.

Binge-eating disorder (BED) and night-eating syndrome (NES) are two forms of disordered eating associated with overweight and obesity. While these disorders also occur in nonobese persons, they seem to be associated with weight gain over time and higher risk of diabetes and other metabolic dysfunction. BED and NES are also associated with higher risk of psychopathology, including mood, anxiety, and sleep problems, than those of similar weight status without disordered eating. Treatments are available, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy, lisdexamfetamine, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for BED; and CBT, SSRIs, progressive muscle relaxation, and bright light therapy for NES.