Comparison of current food cravings of individuals with a self-reported history of anorexia nervosa or binge eating disorder

Abstract

Background: A history of eating disorders can result in changes in eating behavior even after some of the symptoms have subsided. Aims: To compare the current food cravings of individuals with a self-reported history of anorexia nervosa (AN) or binge eating disorder (BED) in a cross-sectional analysis. Results: Forty-seven participants were studied, with 17 having a past-AN and 30 with a past-BED (56.8%, n = 21, had an average weight, and around 30% were obese n = 11). Current symptoms of eating disorders were present in 41% of those with AN and 53% of those with BED. Comparing the groups based on eating disorder history revealed differences in weight distribution, food cravings, and binge eating. Secondary analyses revealed lower levels of food cravings in all cases of AN, regardless of current symptoms. Even after people with binge eating symptoms were removed, those with a history of AN continued to have lower levels of ”lack of control”, reflecting possible signs of this eating disorder. Conclusions: Individuals with a past-AN experience lower levels of food cravings, which supports previous research on the effects of eating disorder history on cravings and lasting alterations in eating behaviour.