Clinical correlates of global functioning in obese treatment seeking persons with binge eating disorder

In recent years, research has called for an increased emphasis on clinical outcomes that are meaningful to patients with binge eating disorder (BED). This cross-sectional study examined the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and its relation to clinical and demographic factors in BED patients.

Thirty-two patients (28 women and 4 men) with BED (age = 41.1 ± 10.7; body mass index = 38.9 ± 5.8) seeking treatment to a weekly multidisciplinary programme at the UPC KU Leuven, Campus Kortenberg in Belgium, were asked to participate at intake. All participants were assessed with the GAF scale, completed the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), the Body Attitude Test (BAT), the Symptoms Checklist-90, the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ), and performed a 6 minute walk test.

The GAF-score (55.9 ± 13.9) was only significantly associated with the BPAQ score (7.0 ± 1.4) (r = 0.383, p = 0.03) and the BAT score (63.9 ± 16.1) (r=-0.443, p = 0.011). The regression model including both of these variables explained 25.3% of the variability in the GAF-score.

This study highlights the value of clinicians assessing physical activity and body image in patients with BED. Research is needed to elucidate whether incorporating body image treatments and physical activity in the care of patients with BED can promote global functioning.