A Systematic Review of Binge Eating, Loss of Control Eating, and Weight Loss in Children and Adolescents

Author Type(s)

Student

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2021

Journal Title

Obesity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This review synthesizes literature on changes in binge eating (BE) and loss of control eating (LOC) following weight loss and the association between BE/LOC and weight loss in children and adolescents.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycInfo. Eligible studies included all peer-reviewed journal articles of primary research that assessed BE/LOC and weight change following a weight-loss intervention in individuals under 18 years of age.

RESULTS: The 29 articles included studies on behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions. Of the 14 studies that assessed the relationship between weight loss and BE/LOC at baseline, 4 showed that higher baseline BE/LOC was associated with less weight loss, whereas 10 showed no significant association. BE/LOC behaviors significantly decreased following weight-loss interventions in 20 of 21 studies. A greater decrease in BE/LOC was associated with improved weight loss in 4 of 9 studies that assessed this change.

CONCLUSIONS: Weight-loss interventions are associated with improved BE/LOC in youth with obesity. The persistence of BE/LOC symptoms may be associated with less weight loss. These results can aid in guiding future treatment for youth with BE/LOC seeking weight-loss treatment.

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