Test meal intake in obese binge eaters in relation to impulsivity and compulsivity

Studies have linked increased impulsivity and compulsivity with bulimia nervosa (BN). Less is known about this relationship in binge eating disorder (BED).

Seventy-nine overweight participants (28 male, 65 females) were classified as BED (n = 22), BE (Subthreshold BED, not meeting full criteria for BED) (n = 21), and non-BED (n = 36). Following an 8-hr fast, participants completed psychological scales to assess impulsivity, compulsivity, and depression. They then consumed a liquid test meal until extremely full.

Test meal intake (TMI) was significantly greater for both BED and BE than non-BED participants. Impulsivity and depression scores were significantly higher in BED and BE than in non-BED participants. Men had significantly higher compulsivity scores than women. Impulsivity correlated significantly with TMI, accounting for 16% of the variance.

There was greater impulsivity in BED and BE, compared with non-BED. Moreover, impulsivity was the best predictor of TMI, and may play a larger role in BE than previously realized.