Relationship between adherence to dietary treatment and binge-eating disorder in obese patients

Introduction: the binge eating disorder (BED) is the eating disorder that most affects the obese population, and BED is an aspect that possibly interferes with the rate of adherence to nutritional treatment, which is also low in individuals with chronic non-communicable disease. Objective: to examine the relationship between adherence to dietary treatment and BED presence in obese individuals. Methods: this cohort study was conducted with a sample of 73 obese individuals at a nutrition and metabolic disease outpatient unit. Anthropometric data were collected, and a three-day food record was used for dietary assessment. BED was identified using the Binge Eating Scale, and patients were divided into two groups (BED and non-BED controls). Patients were reassessed at three-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using Student's t-tests and generalized estimating equations with Bonferroni correction. Adherence to dietary treatment was assessed by calculating differences between recommended and actual energy intakes. Results: BED was identified in 28.7 % of obese individuals. There was no significant difference in adherence to dietary treatment between BED and control patients. Both groups showed similar eating habits and physical activity levels throughout the study period. Conclusion: obesity is one of the factors contributing to the lack of adherence to nutritional guidelines. The importance of cognitive methods in dietary treatment programs should be further investigated.