New research suggests that the duration of binge eating disorder (BED) might be longer than previously thought.
A study published in Psychological Medicine indicates that the treatment and management of binge eating disorder could be a lifelong process.
BED, characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive eating, is typically diagnosed when a person experiences binge eating at least two days a week over six months. It is a type of eating disorder, with women having a higher prevalence than men and no known racial disparities. Generally, it affects about 2.5% of the population. However, in societies where obesity is not socially managed, the prevalence can be as high as 5%.
In South Korea, the number of BED patients is also increasing. According to recent research, approximately 5.93% of female college students have experienced this disorder.
Recently, experts have argued that the traditional medical understanding of BED needs some revision, particularly regarding the duration of the disorder and the possibility of relapse.
The research team tracked 137 adults with BED for five years. The participants ranged from 19 to 74 years old, with an average BMI of 36. The team assessed the participants’ BED at the start of the study and reevaluated them after 2.5 years and 5 years.
The study found that 61% of participants were still suffering from BED after 2.5 years, and 46% were still suffering after 5 years. The researchers emphasized that previous studies, which suggested 1-2 years at the shortest and 7-16 years at the longest, relied on participants’ memories and small sample sizes.
The researchers added that more systematic and clinical research is needed to treat and manage BED.
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