Very-Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet: A Potential Treatment for Binge Eating and Food Addiction Symptoms in Women. A Pilot Study.

Elvira Rostanzo,Ilenia Casini,Marco Marchetti,Anna Maria Aloisi

doi:10.3390/ijerph182312802

Abstract

Background: many patients who struggle to lose weight are unable to cut down certain ultra-processed, refined types of food with a high glycemic index. This condition is linked to responses similar to addiction that lead to overeating. A very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) with adequate protein intake could be considered a valid dietary approach. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a VLCKD in women with binge eating and/or food addiction symptoms. Methods: subjects diagnosed with binge eating and/or food addiction symptoms (measured with the Binge Eating Scale and the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0) were asked to follow a VLCKD with protein replacement for 5–7 weeks (T1) and a low-calorie diet for 11–21 weeks (T2). Self-reported food addiction and binge eating symptoms and body composition were tested at T0 (baseline) and at the end of each diet (T1 and T2 respectively); Results: five women were included in the study. Mean age was 36.4 years (SEM = 4.95) and mean BMI was 31.16 (SEM = 0.91). At T0, two cases of severe food addiction, one case of mild food addiction, one case of binge eating with severe food addiction, and one case of binge eating were recorded. Weight loss was recorded at both T1 and T2 (ranging from 4.8% to 11.6% of the initial body weight at T1 and from 7.3% to 12.8% at T2). No case of food addiction and/or binge eating symptoms was recorded at T2. Muscle mass was preserved. Conclusions: recent findings have highlighted the potential therapeutic role of ketogenic diets for the treatment of addiction to high-calorie, ultra-processed and high-glycemic food. Our pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of a ketogenic diet in women with addictive-like eating disorders seeking to lose weight.

Highlights

Introduction published maps and institutional affilIndividuals with overweight or obesity and who suffer from an eating disorder often report the desire to lose weight and improve their health
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the key diagnostic features of binge eating disorder (BED) include recurrent and persistent episodes of binge eating, marked distress regarding binge eating, absence of regular compensatory behaviors, and binge eating episodes associated with a variety of physical and psychological symptoms [1]
Food addiction is described as an addictive-like response to high sugar and high caloric consumption of food: food addiction symptoms include much time spent obtaining food, feelings of withdrawal when off food, continued use despite knowledge of adverse consequences, important activities reduced or iations

Summary

Introduction

Introduction published maps and institutional affilIndividuals with overweight or obesity and who suffer from an eating disorder often report the desire to lose weight and improve their health. They are unable to cut down certain types of foods, showing food addiction symptoms and lack of control. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the key diagnostic features of binge eating disorder (BED) include recurrent and persistent episodes of binge eating, marked distress regarding binge eating, absence of regular compensatory behaviors, and binge eating episodes associated with a variety of physical and psychological symptoms [1]. Food addiction is described as an addictive-like response to high sugar and high caloric consumption of food: food addiction symptoms include much time spent obtaining food, feelings of withdrawal when off food, continued use despite knowledge of adverse consequences, important activities reduced or iations.

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