Exercise augments the effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of binge eating.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of adding exercise and maintenance to cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) for binge eating disorder (BED) in obese women.


METHODS
One hundred fourteen obese female binge eaters were randomized into four groups: CBT with exercise and maintenance, CBT with exercise, CBT with maintenance, and CBT only.


CONCLUSIONS
Eighty-four women completed the 16-month study. Subjects who received CBT with exercise experienced significant reductions in binge eating frequency compared with subjects who received CBT only. The CBT with exercise and maintenance group had a 58% abstinence rate at the end of the study period and an average reduction of 2.2 body mass index (BMI) units (approximately 14 lb). BMI was significantly reduced in the subjects in both the exercise and maintenance conditions. The results suggest that adding exercise to CBT, and extending the duration of treatment, enhances outcome and contributes to reductions in binge eating and BMI.
Pendleton
Victor R
VR
School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. victor@hms.uq.edu.au
Goodrick
G Ken
GK
Poston
Walker S Carlos
WS
Reeves
Rebecca S
RS
Foreyt
John P
JP
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002032:Bulimia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015444:Exercise; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group