Binge eating disorder in men. A review of the relevant variables in the literature

Abstract

Background. Although binge eating disorder (BED) formally appeared in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), after nearly two decades of research, it is still considered understudied in men. Objective. To carry out a literature review with the variables that have been relevant in research on BED in men, from 1994 to 2015. Method. The article search was conducted in Medline and PsycINFO databases. Results. Twenty-eight articles were analyzed, none specifically investigated male population. Men engage less in restrictive dieting than women (29.8% and 57.3%, respectively). Regarding body image, both men and women are prone to body dissatisfaction, although the ideal body is not necessarily the same. Regarding comorbidity, anxiety disorders are the most common ones in men with BED, in addition to the fact that they are more susceptible to substance abuse. Discussion and conclusion. Investigation on BED has mainly been conducted on female population, which suggests the need for more research on men that provides more empirical evidence.