Abstract
BackgroundCognitive deficits are implicated in theoretical explanatory models for binge eating disorder (BED). Furthermore, evidence suggest that alterations in executive function may underlie symptoms in BED. The current systematic review and meta-analysis provides an update on executive functioning in individuals with BED.MethodsLiterature searches (up to November 2019) were conducted in electronic databases combining binge eating or BED with executive functions. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines was used. Studies of any design comparing adults with BED with those without BED in executive function domains were selected. Methodological quality of studies was based on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.ResultsOf 1,983 citations identified, 28 case-control studies met inclusion criteria for this review. Six meta-analyses that examined four domains (decision-making, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory) were conducted. The only meta-analysis to show a significant difference in executive functioning between BED and obese controls was working memory (SMD = 0.32, 95% IC: −0.60, −0.03; p = 0.028), with an effect size of small magnitude. Qualitative inspection of the literature indicated mixed findings for control inhibition, decision making and cognitive flexibility in individuals with BED compared to controls (obese or normal weight). In addition, people with BED showed poorer problem solving performance, but similar planning abilities to obese controls.ConclusionsIndividuals with BED were found to show worse performance on working memory tasks compared to obese individuals without the disorder. The findings did not provide definitive evidence of alterations in other aspects of executive functioning. Interest in executive functioning in people with BED is increasing but is limited by insufficient data from small studies with varied methodology. Future studies should focus on using similar tests and outcome measures, in order to enable more pertinent comparisons across studies.
Highlights
Eating disorders (EDs) affect up to 10% of young women and are associated with significant reductions in quality of life (1, 2)
The only metaanalysis to show a significant difference in executive functioning between binge eating disorder (BED) and obese controls was working memory (SMD = 0.32, 95% IC: −0.60, −0.03; p = 0.028), with an effect size of small magnitude
Qualitative inspection of the literature indicated mixed findings for control inhibition, decision making and cognitive flexibility in individuals with BED compared to controls
Summary
Eating disorders (EDs) affect up to 10% of young women and are associated with significant reductions in quality of life (1, 2). Binge ED (BED) is the most prevalent ED, affecting approximately 2.8% of females and 1% of males (3). BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating that are not combined with compensatory methods to avoid weight gain. The aetiology of BED is not fully understood, evidence suggests that inefficiencies in executive functions may underlie symptoms (5). According to Friedman and Miyake (6), executive functions represent a set of control processes that regulate thoughts and behavior, dysfunctions in which are symptomatic of neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders. Cognitive deficits are implicated in theoretical explanatory models for binge eating disorder (BED). Evidence suggest that alterations in executive function may underlie symptoms in BED. The current systematic review and metaanalysis provides an update on executive functioning in individuals with BED
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