title: Why no cognitive body image feature such as overvaluation of shape/weight in the binge eating disorder diagnosis?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Undue influence of body shape or weight on self-evaluation--referred to as overvaluation--is considered a core feature across eating disorders, but is not a diagnostic requirement for binge eating disorder (BED). This article addresses the relevance of a feature reflecting disturbance in body image for the diagnosis of BED.
  
  
  METHODS
  The distinction between overvaluation of shape/weight and body dissatisfaction is discussed, and empirical research regarding the concurrent and predictive significance of overvaluation of shape/weight for BED is reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature suggests that overvaluation does not simply reflect concern or distress commensurate with excess weight, is reliably associated with greater severity of eating-related psychopathology and psychological distress, and has reliably shown negative prognostic significance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overvaluation of shape/weight warrants consideration as a diagnostic specifier for BED.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA. carlos.grilo@yale.edu
authors.forename: Carlos M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Grilo
mesh_terms: D056912:Binge-Eating Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept