Binge eating and eating-related cognitions and behavior in ethnically diverse obese women

To examine binge eating and eating-related cognitions and behavior in a sample of ethnically diverse women who are severely obese and seeking bariatric surgery.

Female bariatric surgery candidates (62 African Americans, 18 Latinas, 130 whites) completed questionnaires on binge eating and eating-related cognitions and behavior and completed a structured clinical interview to confirm binge-eating disorder diagnosis.

Ethnic minorities and whites did not differ in rates of binge-eating disorder (26.3%), binges per week (M = 0.95), or dietary restraint. Ethnic minorities reported less disinhibition, and there was a trend to report less hunger awareness than whites. After controlling for BMI and education, ethnicity accounted for significant variance in disinhibition (4%; p < 0.01). Ethnic minorities were younger, became overweight at a later age, and were overweight for fewer years than whites.

Results suggest that ethnicity exerts an important influence on disinhibition and that ethnic differences are not caused by BMI or education. Findings point to the need to continue to investigate the role of ethnicity, binge eating, and disinhibition in severely obese women, so that culturally appropriate services can be provided.