Changes in eating behaviour following group therapy for women who binge eat: a pilot study

Abstract

Survey research is demonstrating that binge eating and compulsive eating may be a significant problem in the obese population. There is higher incidence of binge eating among women, associated with subjective distress and poor prognosis for weight control. Despite attendant health risks, researched clinical responses have not been developed. A before and after uncontrolled pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of group therapy for women who binge eat and compulsively eat. Participants attended a weekly integrative therapy group for 6 months. Measurements before and after the group intervention were taken using the Binge Eating Scale and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation inventories. Before and after interviews were thematically analysed for changes in eating behaviour. Following the group intervention, all participants demonstrated changes in eating behaviour measured by the Binge Eating Scale, the overall effect from baseline to 1 year demonstrates statistical significance. Qualitative data revealed four categories that underpinned reduction in binge eating: changes in dichotomous thinking, awareness of eating behaviour, detachment from food and dietary changes. An integrative model of group therapy warrants further research and refinement for this population, a group protocol for nurses working in the field of obesity and eating disorders could be developed.