[Managing obesity and binge eating disorders]

Abstract

Binge eating disorder is frequent in patients suffering from obesity. Such disorders must be detected through the DSM-IV criteria. Binge eating disorder must be taken into account during the treatment in order to diminish the relapse and the "yoyo" phenomenon. The treatment consists in a cognitive-behavioural therapy associated with nutritional approach and favouring physical activity. Even if eating disorders are treated as a priority in psychotherapy, the GP's caring can be done at different levels: examine patients' expectations, weight loss objectives 1-3 kg/month), their motivation to change, encourage them to structure their meals, or help them find binge eating stimuli and their own strategies.