A preliminary study of momentary, naturalistic indicators of binge‐eating episodes in adults with obesity. Issue 1 (7th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goldschmidt, Andrea B.; Crosby, Ross D.; Cao, Li; Wonderlich, Stephen A.; Mitchell, James E.; Engel, Scott G.; Peterson, Carol B.
• Is Part Of: International journal of eating disorders. Volume 51:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2017-11-07
• Subjects: binge eating -- classification -- diagnosis -- indicators -- loss of control -- validity; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Ingestion disorders -- Periodicals; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1002/eat.22795
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0276-3478

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Binge eating is common in adults with obesity. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Psychiatric Disorders describes five indicators of binge eating (eating more rapidly than usual; eating until uncomfortably full; eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry; eating alone because of embarrassment over how much one is eating; and feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating), but their validity is unclear. Method: We examined preliminary associations between the five indicators and binge versus nonbinge episodes among 50 adults with obesity via ecological momentary assessment. Results: Generalized linear models revealed that, relative to nonbinge episodes, self‐reported binge episodes were associated with lower pre‐episode hunger ( p = .004), higher postepisode fullness ( p < .001), a greater likelihood of reporting moderate to extreme shame prior to eating in conjunction with eating alone ( p < .001), and a greater likelihood of reporting moderate to extreme disgust, depression, and/or guilt after eating ( p < .001), but not with eating more rapidly than usual ( p = .85). Discussion: Results support the validity of most binge‐eating indicators, although the utility of the rapid eating criterion is questionable. Future research should examine whether modifying these indicators in binge‐eating interventions would reduce the occurrence of loss of control and/or overeating.