According to the UN definition, loss of control eating (LOC) is a common subclinical variant of full-threshold binge-eating disorder (BED) in youth, starting at age 15 to 24. It is defined as the feeling of losing control over eating an objectively or subjectively large amount of food. In the previous month, around 10% of kids in the general population and roughly 23% of youth in weight loss treatment seeking groups reported at least four episodes of loss of consciousness (LOC).
Evidence suggests that, in comparison to no LOC, even low frequency LOC is associated with worse mental health, higher body weight, and a higher chance of developing full-threshold BED. Furthermore, most eating disorder-related subject load and impairment are caused by subclinical eating disorders such LOC and full-threshold BED. According to a recent meta-analysis, LOC in young people from the general population persists for a reasonable amount of time over the course of their 15 years. Thus, the span of time between adolescence and early adulthood may be especially risky for the persistence of LOC.
Twenty-four young people, with a mean age of 19.1 years, took part in a nine-week active treatment program that consisted of six weekly email-guided self-help sessions and three in person workshops. Four email-guided follow-up sessions were held one, three, six, and twelve months following the active treatment. Prior to starting therapy, each patient had a two-week waiting period (within subject waitlist control design). Outcomes throughout the waiting time (effect size d = 0.45) and active treatment (d = 1.01) periods, there was a significant reduction in the number of weekly LOC events, which thereafter stabilized throughout the 12-month follow-up (d = 0.20).
During the course of the trial, the percentage of patients with full-threshold binge-eating disorder (BED) diagnosis dropped and changed to LOC, while the percentage of LOC abstainers rose. Values for eating disorder pathology (d = 1.29), appearance-based rejection sensitivity (d = 0.68), and depressed symptoms (d = 1.5) all showed improvement on average from pretreatment to posttreatment and continued to stabilize or improve throughout follow-up (d between 0.11 and 0.85). In contrast, body weight didn’t change over that time. While the treatment satisfaction rating of those who completed the program was high, at the end of the 12-month follow up, there was a 45.8% dropout rate.
Depressive symptoms, appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and core symptoms of LOC may all benefit from this first blended treatment research, BEAT. Further investigation is required to develop easily accessible therapies that more deeply target age-selective maintenance factors, such appearance-based rejection sensitivity, while yet retaining low dropout rates.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious and common eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of consuming excessive amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control. Unlike bulimia, binge eating is not followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting. People with BED may eat rapidly, even when they are not physically hungry, and continue eating despite feeling overly full. These episodes often lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and emotional distress, which can further reinforce the cycle of binge eating. Factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can contribute to the disorder. If left untreated, BED can lead to serious physical health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, medication to help individuals regain control over their eating habits and improve their emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and its subclinical variant, Loss of Control Eating (LOC), pose significant risks to both physical and mental health, particularly among youth. The research highlights the persistence of LOC from adolescence to early adulthood and its strong association with increased psychological distress and higher body weight. While promising treatments like the BEAT program show potential in reducing LOC episodes and improving mental well-being, high dropout rates indicate the need for more accessible and engaging interventions. Addressing factors like appearance-based rejection sensitivity and depressive symptoms through tailored treatments can enhance long-term recovery outcomes and improve overall quality of life for those affected by BED.
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