Loss of control over eating: a description of the eating disorder/obesity spectrum in women

Abstract

Goals: This study aimed to analyse the association, commonalities and differences between obesity and eating disorders (ED).

Method: A total of 150 female patients [50 obese with bulimia nervosa (OB + BN), 50 obese with binge eating disorders (OB + BED), 50 obese without eating disorders (OB)] and 50 female healthy-eating/weight control (CG) volunteers participated in this study.

Assessment: All participants were assessed by the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2), the Symptom Checklist-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised.

Results: In general, all the groups differed significantly and showed linear trends (OB + BN > OB + BED > OB > CG) on general and eating psychopathology (SCL-90-R and EDI-2). Regarding personality traits, statistically significant differences across all four groups were found on Harm Avoidance and Self-Directedness. Whereas some symptoms were shared in extreme weight conditions, others were specifically related to ED.

Conclusions: The presence of binge and purge symptomatology in obese patients is clinically relevant. These findings help to understand the relationship between Obesity and ED.

Keywords: abnormal eating behaviour; binge eating; classification; eating disorders; obesity.