Measurements of body image in clinical weight loss participants with and without binge-eating traits

This study measured body image disturbances of individuals in a residential weight loss program who were identified as having binge-eating disorder (BED) traits. The study population (N=97) was a convenience sample of 74 men (76%, mean age=51.0) and 23 women (24%, mean age=49.6) in the program who completed the Eating Questionnaire-Revised (EQ-R), the Attitudes About Weight and Dieting (AAWD), the Physical Appearance State and Trait Anxiety Scale (PASTAS): State Version, and the Contour Drawing Rating Scale (CDR). Fifty-five individuals reported having binge traits (57%) while 42 (43%) had no binge traits. Individuals with the binge traits had a significantly higher BMI than nonbinge trait individuals (P=.008). The binge trait group scored higher on the total AAWD (P=.004), the AAWD factor "Fear of Fat" (P=.002), the total PASTA (P=.001), and the PASTA factor "Weight" (P=.001) than the nonbinge trait group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the odds of having a binge trait were 1.44 times more likely for a person at a given score on the PASTA subscale Weight vs. a person at a score of 5 units less. Feelings of being unable to control eating among individuals seeking weight control is associated with several characteristics related to body image. Individuals showing greater concern about weight and dieting and specifically greater fears of becoming fat were more likely to have a problem with binge eating than those without these concerns. The results of this study suggest that a negative body image is an important factor to consider when treating individuals indicating binge-eating traits.