Detailed analysis of binges in obese women with binge eating disorder: Comparisons using multiple methods of data...

This study compares multiple methods of assessing food intake in obese women with binge eating disorder (BED).

Twelve women meeting BED criteria completed six random 24-hour dietary recalls, engaged in a laboratory binge eating episode, and completed the EDE interview.

There was not a significant difference in total or macronutrient intake when binge eating episodes were assessed via the recall and laboratory methods. However, within-individual correlations were low for the size of different binge eating episodes collected by the two methods. Significantly more calories were consumed during objective than during subjective binges, and significant differences in macronutrient composition were observed. Meal patterning data collected by the EDE and the recalls were comparable.

The findings suggest only moderate agreement between the methods that were examined. Future investigations with larger sample sizes are needed to examine the relationship among these different methods of assessing food intake.