Binge Eating in Overweight and Obese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Binge eating, characterized by a loss of control over eating leading to overconsumption, is common among overweight and obese adults, particularly in individuals seeking weight-loss treatment. It is associated with elevated risk of depression, personality disorders, and issues with self-esteem and body image. Because binge eating is associated with excessive weight, it may increase the risk of obesity-related comorbidities including type 2 diabetes. Overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes who binge eat tend to report worse physical health than their non-binge eating peers; however, there is conflicting evidence regarding whether binge eating negatively impacts glycemic control. There is also some disagreement about how best to treat binge eating in overweight and obese patients, with concerns raised that binge eating is a contraindication for weight-loss treatment. In overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, recent evidence suggests that binge eating is not exacerbated by behavioral weight-loss treatment and may in fact be improved by participating in a structured weight-loss program. Binge eating appears to interfere with the weight-loss process only in the small minority of individuals who start binge eating, or continue to binge eat, during treatment. Thus, the research available to date suggests that regardless of diabetes status, overweight and obese individuals who binge eat are appropriate candidates for behavioral weight-loss treatment and will likely experience a decrease in binge eating behavior, a reduction in body weight, and an assortment of additional health benefits as a result of participating in a program targeting lifestyle change.