Nutrient intake of obese female binge eaters

Objective To compare the 6-month change in selected nutrients and number of binge days (from 7-day food records) between obese binge eaters randomly a ssigned to either a behavioral self-management (BSM) or waiting list contro l (WLC) group. Within each of the 2 groups, the average intake of selected nutrients on binge and nonbinge days at baseline and at 6 months were compa red. Design A randomized, controlled, intervention study with assessments at ent ry and 6 months later. Subjects Forty-six women in the BSM group and 36 in the WLC group completed the 6-month measurement. Participants were 25 to 50 years of age, 30 to 90 pounds overweight, did not have a history of physical or psychological ill nesses, and scored 20 or greater on the binge eating scale. Intervention Participants in the BSM intervention received 6 months of week ly, 1-hour classes taught by registered dietitians, Participants in the WLC group were not contacted during the 6 months. Outcome measures The main outcome measures were change in energy consumed ( kilocalories); percentage of energy from fat, protein, and carbohydrate; gr ams of fiber/1,000 kcal; and change in the number of self-reported binge da ys. Statistical analyses Weight at 6 months was compared using a 2-sample t tes t. The change in the number of binge days at 6 months and the amount of cha nge in selected nutrients by group was compared using the 2-sample t test. The paired t test was used to compare the average nutrient intakes on binge and nonbinge days within groups. Results No significant difference was found in the 6-month change between g roups in any of the selected nutrients. The BSM group reported a greater re duction in binge days between baseline and 6 months compared with the WLC g roup (mean 1.0 vs 1.7, P < 0.03). Within the BSM group at 6 months, energy intake and percentage of energy from fat on nonbinge days were significantl y reduced compared with binge days. At baseline within the WLC group, energ y intake increased and percentage of energy from protein decreased signific antly on nonbinge days compared with binge days. Within the WLC group at 6 months, energy intake and percentage of energy from fat significantly decre ased and percentage of energy front protein significantly increased on nonb inge days. Conclusions Our results suggest that collecting dietary information from pa rticipants identified with binge eating disorder is challenging. Dietitians who conduct behavioral weight management programs may require additional t raining in identifying and understanding the psychological characteristics of participants with binge-eating disorder.