Binge eating among the overweight population: a serious and prevalent problem

Obesity is a major public health problem in the United States and is now recognized as a heterogeneous condition. This suggests that treatment effectiveness may be improved with an increased understanding of the multiple factors contributing to obesity. Recent data clearly indicate that one common and serious factor among a subset of the overweight population is binge eating. Dietitians in research settings, clinical settings, or private practice are likely to treat obese patients who are seeking weight-related treatment. This article provides an overview of current knowledge about obese persons who binge eat and recommends that dietitians who treat patients for weight-related conditions take a proactive role by screening them for binge eating problems or, at a minimum, screen those who are suspected of binge eating and then refine treatment approaches accordingly.