Binge eating disorder, weight cycling, and psychopathology

This study examined differences among a total of 70 obese binge eaters, nonbingers, and problem eaters in depression, cognitive function, weight- and eating-related disturbances, and weight cycling. Subjects diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED) scored significantly higher on depression and on several measures of cognitive dysfunction than did subjects in the other two groups. In addition, they reported significantly greater preoccupation with thinness and feelings of ineffectiveness, as well as a greater likelihood of eating in response to negative emotions. No relationship, however, was found between binge eating and weight cycling. Comparison of subjects identified as low- and high-weight cyclers revealed no significant differences between these two groups on depression, cognitive dysfunction, or the majority of the other measures of weight- and eating-related disturbance. The findings are discussed in terms of the implications for treating persons with BED and/or a history of weight cycling.