Gender differences in individuals with obesity and binge eating disorder: A retrospective comparison of phenotypical features and treatment outcomes. (19th February 2023) - Brandt, Gerrit
Abstract: Objective: Phenotypical comparisons between individuals with obesity without binge eating disorder (OB) and individuals with obesity and comorbid binge eating disorder (OB + BED) are subject to ongoing investigations. At the same time, gender‐related differences have rarely been explored, raising the question whether men and women with OB and OB + BED may require differently tailored treatments. Method: We retrospectively compared pre‐ versus post‐treatment data in a matched sample of n = 180 men and n = 180 women with OB or OB + BED who received inpatient treatment. Results: We found that men displayed higher weight loss than women independent of diagnostic group. In addition, men with OB + BED showed higher weight loss than men with OB after 7 weeks of treatment. Conclusions: The present findings add to an emerging yet overall still sparse body of studies comparing phenotypical features and treatment outcomes in men and women with OB and OB + BED; implications for further research are discussed. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was prospectively registered with the German Clinical Trial Register as part of application DRKS00028441. Highlights: Pre‐ versus post‐treatment data were analysed regarding eating disorder‐specific and general psychopathology, and treatment outcomes (e.g., body mass index trajectories) in men versus women with obesity without binge eating disorder (OB) versus obesity and binge eating disorder (OB + BED). Men displayed higher weight loss than women independent of diagnostic group. In addition, men with OB + BED showed higher weight loss than men with OB after 7 weeks of treatment. This study contributes to the currently limited body of evidence on gender‐related aspects of obesity and eating disorders; gender‐related investigations are needed to amplify knowledge and help design and implement future individualised treatments.