The clinical significance of binge eating in an obese population: Support for BED and questions regarding its criteria

The present study examined the prevalence of binge eating disorder (BED) among 192 obese individuals seeking treatment in a university-based eating disorders program. Subjects responded to a self-report questionnaire on the presence and severity of binge eating and were divided into two groups: (a) 48 non-binge eaters and (b) 144 binge eaters, 72 of whom met criteria for BED. Binge eaters reported earlier onset of obesity, higher levels of psychopathology, and less competence in relation to weight control. Comparison between the 72 individuals diagnosed with BED and the 72 binge eaters not meeting BED criteria indicated that the former group evidenced more severe binge eating and a higher level of depression. Given the differences across a range of psychological variables between binge eaters and non-binge eaters, these findings support the clinical and research value of BED as a new diagnostic category. However, they also indicate that severity of binge eating, regardless of frequency and associated behavioral features, is the most important distinguishing characteristic. Further research is needed to determine the most appropriate threshold for BED diagnosis.