Binge eating disorder is an increasingly common form of eating disorder, which unlike bulimia and anorexia, frequently results in obesity. Whilst dieting alone is unlikely to be an effective form of treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has shown to be helpful for sufferers of binge eating disorder.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder – CBT BED Treatment
Cognitive behavioural therapy involves looking at how thoughts affect feelings and in turn affect behaviour. Through learning how to identify and challenge thinking errors (such as black and white thinking), core beliefs and negative automatic thoughts, binge eating disorder (BED) sufferers can be helped to prevent triggers from resulting in negative behaviours. While waiting lists are often lengthy for individual CBT sessions, Waller et al. (2007) recognise that there is evidence to suggest that guided self-help (manuals and computer programs) is useful for BED sufferers.
Psychoeducation is an important aspect of CBT for those affected by BED, which includes explaining the physical and psychological reasons underlying binges. Further approaches used to help BED sufferers are identified by Waller et al. to include the following:
- journaling
- Socratic questioning
- positive data logs
- behavioural experiments
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Study on Exercise With CBT Treatment for Obese Binge Eating Disorder Sufferers
While CBT has been identified as an effective treatment for BED, a 2002 research study undertaken by Dr. Foreyt et al. highlight that the success of CBT may be enhanced through combining therapy with exercise. The study involved 114 obese binge-eating women who were at least 30 lb overweight, a history of sedentary lifestyle/occupation and no history of drug abuse. Each woman was randomly assigned to one of four groups including:
- CBT with exercise and maintenance
- CBT with exercise
- CBT with maintenance
- CBT only
As featured in Eating Disorders Review, each participant received 90 minute group sessions for four months, while the maintenance groups continued for six additional months. Those in the exercise groups were educated about the relationship between fitness, dieting and binge eating and how it helps to break the cycle of dieting/binging. Exercise participants were also required to walk briskly at home and exercise for 45 minutes three times a week, which was undertaken at a central exercise department.
Study Shows Exercise Improves Effectiveness of CBT for Obese BED Sufferers
The 2002 study found combining exercise with CBT treatment for obese BED sufferers had a positive outcome, offering promise for the future. Foreyt et al. concluded the research had the following key results:
- CBT, exercise & maintenance group – significant reductions in binge eating than CBT only group
- CBT, exercise & maintenance group – 58% abstinence rate, lost average of 14 lb
- Exercise & maintenance groups – BMI significantly reduced
- Exercisers showed improvement in mood (measured by Beck Depression Inventory)
- Exercisers lost weight, while non-exercisers tended to gain weight
As highlighted above, research has identified the benefits of using a combination of CBT and exercise to treat obese women suffering from binge eating disorder. The study also highlights the importance of maintenance in effective treatment.
Sources:
Waller et al. (2007) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Eating Disorders. Cambridge University Press.
Foreyt et al. "2002 Study." Eating Disorders Review May/June 2003 Vol.13:3.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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