The prevalence of binge eating disorder and its relationship to work and classroom productivity and activity impairment

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of binge eating disorder on university campus, its associations with health risk factors, and its associations with work and classroom productivity and activity impairment, adjusted for health risk factors.

Participants: The study was conducted at a public midwestern university in the United States and involved 1,165 students.

Methods: Data were collected online, using preestablished instruments. Descriptive, chi-square, correlation, and robust multiple regression tests were used.

Results: About 7.8% of the participants were assessed as having binge eating disorder. Binge eating disorder was more common among obese students than nonobese students. Associations were found between moderate binge eating disorder and classroom productivity and daily activity impairment; however, sleep duration and physical activity were the strongest predictors.

Conclusions: University students are at risk of binge eating disorder. Interventions with this population should include education, screening, and clinical consultation when warranted.

Keywords: Binge eating disorder; classroom productivity impairment; daily and social activity impairment obesity; physical activity; sleep duration; work productivity impairment.