Background

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the US with a prevalence of 2.6%, but it remains underrecognized and undertreated. BED is characterized by episodes of consuming large amounts of food rapidly with loss of control and is identified with a binge eating score (BES). Episodes lead to feelings of shame and distress. The relationship between obesity and BED is not well understood. This study compares the prevalence of BED in populations with obesity and the general US population.

Methods

This retrospective chart review evaluated patients seen at a university-based obesity and bariatric surgery clinic over a 1-year period. BES was routinely calculated. The primary endpoint was BED diagnosis (BES≥18). Characteristics associated with BED including sex, BMI, and diabetes mellitus(DM) were recorded.

Results

From 100 patients evaluated (age 40.9±13 years, 81% female, 32% with DM, BMI 49.76±12.12), 56 (56 %) had BED. BES was greater in higher BMIs, but not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in BED rate in male and female patients (52.6% vs 56.8%). BED was diagnosed more in younger patients. 59.5% of patients with age <50 had BED versus 46.2% with age ≥50 (P=0.24). BED was diagnosed in 64.7% of non-diabetic patients versus 37.5% of patients with diabetes (P=0.011).

Conclusions

The prevalence of BED is high in patients of obesity and bariatric surgery clinic. BED can be as prevalent in all obesity classes and both genders, and especially prevalent in patients without diabetes. Therefore, further research is needed to better understand BED and obesity.