The prevalence and correlates of binge eating in a British community sample of women with a history of obesity.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the frequency of binge eating and binge eating disorder and their correlates in a sample of women with a history of obesity.


METHODS
A group of women who had been found in a previous community study to have a body mass index > or = 30 were studied using self-report measures (n = 74) and interview (n = 62).


RESULTS
One subject met criteria for binge eating disorder, while 24% reported binging. Subjects who reported binging were significantly more likely to have a past history of depressive illness.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of binge eating, binge eating disorder, and psychopathology was broadly in keeping with that found in North America. In addition, there were nonsignificant trends towards a positive family history of obesity, of childhood obesity, of early onset of dieting, of excessive concern about weight and shape, and a recent history of weight reduction. Further study is required to elucidate the causes of binge eating in the obese.
Robertson
D N
DN
Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Palmer
R L
RL
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005192:Family Health; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D015995:Prevalence