Test meal intake in obese binge eaters in relation to impulsivity - pre and post CBT weight loss program

Abstract

The study examined the relationship of impulsivity and binge eating disorder (BED). Method. Measures were collected pretreatment and at 1, 2 and 3 mo of a CBT weight loss program. At baseline, there were 79 (59 f, 20m) overweight participants, aged: 20-60 (40.0 +/- 10.0 SD) and BMI ≥27 (38.8 +/- 8.7 SD). Of these, 22 were classified as BED, 21 as BE (subthreshold BED), and 36 as non-BED controls. Groups did not differ at baseline in age, BMI %, body fat, or weight. Following an 8-h fast, S's completed various psychological scales. They then consumed a liquid test meal (.5 kcal/g) until extremely full. Results. At baseline, test meal intake (TMI) was greater for both BED and BE than for controls (p=.02). At 1 mo, there was a decrease in TMI in the BED and BE groups (p=.045), but not at 2 and 3 mo. At baseline, impulsivity and depression scores were significantly higher in BED and BE than controls. The BED group had a significant reduction in impulsivity scores at 1, 2 and 3 mo. Also, S's with high impulsivity scores had greater TMI (p=.008) at baseline than those with low impulsivity scores. Discussion. Following treatment, the greater baseline impulsivity and TMI in the BED group was followed by significant reductions in impulsivity and TMI. Furthermore, the change in BIS scores from the baseline to the end (0-3 mo) was correlated positively with change of rate (0-3mo) and with test meal intake (0-3 mo), which also suggests that impulsivity contributes to greater intake in BED.