Comparing Individuals with Binge Eating Disorder to Objective Overeaters and Healthy Controls

This study examined the relation between loss of control (LOC) during large eating episodes and eating disorder related pathology to assess the importance of LOC as a diagnostic criterion of Binge Eating Disorder. Participants who met criteria for Binge Eating Disorder and experienced loss of control during eating episodes were compared to objective overeaters (no LOC during eating episodes), and healthy controls (no eating episodes) on measures of eating disorder symptomatology including body image, dieting behaviors, and parental pressure to diet. Body Mass Index (BMI) was evaluated as a potential moderator of the effects of group status on eating disorder pathology. Participants (N = 251) were recruited online through weight loss and general interest websites. Results showed binge eaters reported increased levels of body image disturbance and depression, but lower levels of self-esteem compared to both objective overeaters and healthy controls. BMI moderated the effect of group status on dieting behaviors. In addition, BMI was associated with increased perceived social pressure to be thin, as well as increased perceived parental pressure to diet. Receiving parental pressure to diet was associated with an earlier age of onset of dieting and an increased chance of being overweight or obese. These findings support previous research (Striegel-Moore et al. 1998) that loss of control is an important discriminating factor between individuals with and without Binge Eating Disorder