COMORBIDITY AND BINGE-EATING DISORDER

Research in obesity has generally not demonstrated an association with increased rates of psychopathology compared to normal-weight comparis on groups. However, studies of obese obese individuals from clinical s amples with recurrent binge eating or binge eating disorder (BED) have generally revealed increased rates of psychiatric comorbidity compare d to nonbinge eating obese individuals. Also, several studies have rep orted finding an association between BED and elevated rates of psychol ogical distress, social problems, and impaired self-esteem. This repor t provides an overview of research findings regarding psychiatric como rbidity among individuals with BED, and it presents suggestion for fut ure research.