Binge Eating Disorder Research Articles

Binge eating, social media disorder and attachment in adolescence: Gender differences in the mediating role of alexithymia

IntroductionThere is a need for research investigating factors accounting for binge eating (BE) and social media disorder (SMD) in adolescence. ObjectiveDespite studies suggesting the role of both attachment and alexithymia in these disorders, there has been no investigation into the mediating role of alexithymia in the pathways linking the different types of attachment relationships to both BE and SMD. MethodsA total of 423 Italian adolescents (32.2% males, Mage=16.88) completed self-report questionnaires investigating attachment, alexithymia, binge eating, and social media disorder levels. Hypotheses were tested with Structural Equation Modelling including multigroup analyses. ResultsAlmost all the variables showed relationships with each other. BE was explained by attachment to the mother and peers in both genders, but the mediating effect of alexithymia was significant only among girls. SMD was explained only by attachment to peers among boys but by attachment to the parents among girls. Moreover, among girls, the role of attachment to the father in SMD was fully mediated by alexithymia levels. ConclusionsAttachment and alexithymia are two explaining variables associated with BE and SMD in adolescence. However, differentiating between attachment relationships appears crucial to reaching a nuanced understanding of the dynamics underlying both BE and SMD.

Medical Psychiatric Challenges in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Eating Disorders

This paper examines the intricate relationship between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and eating disorders (EDs), focusing on their diagnostic criteria, comorbidity, shared characteristics, and the profound medical and psychiatric complications that arise from these conditions. OCD is characterized by intrusive obsessions and compulsions that significantly impact daily functioning, while EDs, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder, involve severe disturbances in eating behaviors and body image. These disorders often co-occur, with up to 41% of individuals with EDs also suffering from OCD. The shared symptoms, such as obsessions, compulsions, avoidance behaviors, and perfectionism, highlight the complex interplay between OCD and EDs, complicating diagnosis and treatment. The medical complications associated with this comorbidity are severe and varied, affecting multiple organ systems. Gastrointestinal issues, proctological problems, oral health deterioration, cardiological dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, kidney disorders, and hormonal dysregulation are common. Additionally, sleep disorders are prevalent, further exacerbating both psychiatric and physical health outcomes. Effective treatment requires a holistic approach that addresses the unique needs of each individual, with integrated care involving specialists across medical and mental health fields. This comprehensive approach is crucial to mitigating the devastating impact of OCD and EDs, improving overall well-being and quality of life for affected individuals.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Increased the Risk of Eating Disorders and Emotional Eating Symptoms: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence

Background: There has been recent evidence to suggest that people who suffer from eating disorders (EDs) or other eating behavior disturbances, such as emotional eating (EE), are particularly vulnerable post-COVID-19. This narrative literature review aims to comprehensively analyze and scrutinize the existing clinical studies regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with EDs or EE. Moreover, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important to find out whether a person’s emotional state may lead them to wrongly confront their emotional behavior with food consumption. Methods: A thorough search of several databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Public Library of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Complete) was performed to identify available clinical studies on the COVID-19 pandemic published between 2020 and 2024 using relevant keywords. Results: There is substantial evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic exerted negative effects on persons suffering from EDs, including those who are symptomatic, those who are in remission, and those with an EE behavior. Characteristically, people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), or binge eating disorder (BED) showed considerable symptomatic worsening after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical studies investigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons suffering from EE have also clearly demonstrated that their mood disturbances negatively affected their eating behaviors. These studies have also shown that vulnerable people were at greater risk of EE development and progression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have exerted a significant deleterious effect on people who have a history of suffering from EDs or EE. The COVID-19 pandemic has been related to the frequency of dysfunctional eating behaviors, thus decreasing therapeutic intervention efficiency in people with EDs as well as in those with disturbed eating behaviors such as EE. In this aspect, further clinical studies are strongly recommended to investigate the exact effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to explore their potential long-term deleterious complications in the post-pandemic period. Public strategies and policies should be applied to provide special healthcare for this group of patients.

Online dialectical behavior therapy for binge eating disorder: an open trial.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of online Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder (DBT-BED) in reducing eating psychopathology and investigate the factors that influence the severity and frequency of binge eating. Seventy-three individuals seeking treatment for BED participated in 20 two-hour group sessions. Participants completed the Emotional Eating Scale (EES), Binge Eating Scale (BES), and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) before and after the treatment and at three- and six-month follow-ups. Results from 58 participants were analyzed. The study results indicated a significant decrease in objective binge eating (OBE) days, as well as in all EES, BES, and EDE-Q subscales (except the Restraint subscale), and global EDE-Q score at the end of treatment and follow-ups. Moreover, the Body Mass Index (BMI) reduced at the end of treatment and during the follow-up period. Except for the Restraint subscale, more OBE days were linked with higher EES, BES, and EDE-Q scores. Overall, the study suggests that online DBT-BED is an effective approach to treating Binge Eating Disorder (BED) for individuals who cannot receive in-person therapy. Further research is necessary to compare the efficacy of online DBT-BED with other interventions.

Patterns of overeating in middle-aged Chinese from Hong Kong

Abstract Background Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for non-communicable diseases worldwide. Overweightness may be attributable to a wide spectrum of overeating behaviours. However, the various types of overeating behaviors are under-studied in Asia, particularly in non-adolescent age groups. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with various overeating patterns among middle-aged Chinese adults. Methods A random telephone survey was conducted in 2023 on Hong Kong Chinese adults between 35 and 59 years or age (n = 785). An instrument composed of modified Positive-Negative Emotional Eating (EE) Scale, Night Eating Questionnaire-Chinese (NEQ), Binge Eating Disorder Screener (BED-7), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21), demographic factors, BMI and number of reported gastrointestinal (GI) conditions was used. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the association of demographic factors, BMI, GI conditions as well as dysphoric mood with overeating behaviors. Results Hong Kong Chinese middle-aged adults reported the following past-month prevalence of overeating behaviors: positive EE (26.1%), general overeating (12.4%), negative EE (9.2%), binge eating (6.0%) and night eating behavior (1.8%). Nightshift work, mental stress, being single and younger age were common risk factors for the various overeating patterns among middle-aged men. Anxiety, high/low educational levels and younger age were common risk factors among middle-aged women. Obesity was associated with binge eating and positive EE in men (OR: 1.7-4.0) and associated with negative EE and general overeating (OR:2.3-2.7) in women. Conclusions This study noted that binge eating, night eating, positive/negative EE, and GOB were distinct eating patterns requiring different clinical approaches. The significant association between various overeating behaviors with BMI, indicates that these individuals should be prioritized to receive healthy eating interventions. Key messages • Adult overeating is not a singular behavior but represents an array of different eating patterns with different risk factors. • Like their Western counterparts, overeating behaviors in Chinese adults are often linked to dysphoric mood, therefore treatment of obesity may require psychological counseling.

Taking a Global View of the OSFED Category From Inside and Outside the DSM-5: Comment on Dang et al. 2024.

This Commentary discusses the findings of Dang et al.'s systematic review and metanalysis on the "Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder" (OSFED) category in the context of current conceptualizations and main international diagnostic schemes of classification, the DSM-5 and the ICD-11. The aim to reduce less specified eating disorder categories in these classifications has not been completely achieved and OSFED cases remain prevalent. Different definitions of OSFED contribute to difficulties in study selection and limitation of data aggregation in metanalysis, highlighting the need for improving methodologies for studying OSFED subtypes. Although use of either the DSM-5 or ICD-11 scheme concurs with Dang et al.'s main finding that OSFED comprises categories of similar clinical significance to the recognized eating disorders, the ICD-11 includes more people with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder who would receive a DSM-5 OSFED diagnosis. This may have impacts for epidemiological studies of distribution as well as for identification and treatment of the individual. We support that before creating new eating disorder categories, consideration be given to also broadening current DSM-5 criteria. This approach may result in fewer OSFED subtypes needing elevation to distinct categories, potentially limiting these to just purging disorder and night eating syndrome.

Complementary and Integrative Health Use in Binge Eating Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study of Binge Eating Disorder Experts’ Perspectives

Complementary and Integrative Health Use in Binge Eating Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study of Binge Eating Disorder Experts’ Perspectives

Taking a Deeper Dive Into OSFED Subtypes: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

To compare all other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) groups (atypical anorexia nervosa [AN], purging disorder [PD], night eating syndrome [NES], subthreshold bulimia nervosa [sub-BN], and subthreshold binge-eating disorder [sub-BED]) to threshold eating disorders (EDs [AN, BN, and BED]) and control groups (CGs) on measures of eating and general psychopathology. We conducted a comprehensive search in PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, and CINAHL on all published studies from January 2013 to February 2024 using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria via clinical interviews or well-established diagnostic tools. We also undertook a quality appraisal using an adapted version of the Downs and Black criteria and registered the review with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022314495). Overall, our meta-analyses (n = 33 eligible studies) indicated that the combined OSFED and several specific OSFED subtypes displayed comparable levels of eating psychopathology to full-threshold EDs. Our systematic review (n = 33 eligible studies) found individuals with OSFED to have comparable levels of eating and general psychopathology to full-threshold EDs, but higher levels of eating and general psychopathology than CGs. These findings were specifically attributed to atypical AN and NES. There was a lack of evidence available for sub-BN and sub-BED. Studies mainly met the quality appraisal criteria. The main limitations identified in the included studies were insufficient reporting of their statistical power (78%) and no adjusting for potential confounding factors (67%). Findings support the conceptualization of atypical AN, and NES as clinically significant EDs with similar severity to full-threshold EDs.

OSFED Subtypes: The Need for Better Definitions.

Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED) is a diagnostic category in DSM-5 describing individuals with clinically significant eating behavioral disturbances that do not meet criteria for full-threshold eating disorder diagnoses. OSFED includes five example subgroups: atypical anorexia nervosa, sub-threshold bulimia nervosa, sub-threshold binge-eating disorder, purging disorder, and night eating syndrome. A recent review of OSFED by Dang et al. aims to examine differences between OSFED and full-threshold eating disorders as well as between OSFED and healthy populations but is limited by the lack of clear definitions of OSFED subtypes and methodological differences across studies. Clearer diagnostic definitions for OSFED subtypes are needed. Consideration should also be given to indicators of lifetime history of full-threshold conditions, diagnostic drift, and remission criteria as OSFED categories undergo further study.

Question: Do You Have Suggestions for Managing a Patient With Bipolar II Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, and Obesity Who Stops Medications Fearing Weight Gain?

Question: Do You Have Suggestions for Managing a Patient With Bipolar II Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, and Obesity Who Stops Medications Fearing Weight Gain?

Eye of the Beholder: Prevalence of Binge Eating Disorder among Youth in Urban Coastal Karnataka, India

Abstract Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) are on the rise and can result in medical and psychiatric morbidities in children, adolescents as well as during adulthood. It is crucial to understand the disease burden for its early diagnosis, intervention, and prevention. Our study was thus conducted over 5 months to estimate the prevalence of binge ED (BED) among adolescents and young adults in Mangalore, Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 participants between the ages of 15 and 24 years were administered the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns - 5. Responses were categorized into “possible diagnosis of BED” and “possible diagnosis of bulimia nervosa (BN).” Results: The mean age of the participants was 19.4 ± 3.1 years and their mean body mass index was 22.7 ± 3.9 kg/m2. Among 300 participants, 15 (5.0%) had a possible diagnosis of BN, while 4 (1.3%) had a probable diagnosis of BED, both were found to be more among females than males. Sixty participants reported having loss of control over their food intake, of which only 26 (43.3%) reported being upset about it. However, on multivariate logistic regression, none of the sociodemographic factors were found to be significant in our study. Conclusion: It is essential to encourage healthy eating habits and physical activity at an early age along with the inclusion of screening for EDs in school health programs. Raising awareness among parents and children is crucial in bringing about sustained behavior change.

Taking Steps Toward a Consensus on Night Eating Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria.

Night eating syndrome (NES) is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th edition, as an example of "Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders" with minimal guidance about how to define and operationalize NES. The literature suggests that research practices vary widely, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the public health burden of, effective interventions for, or policy implications relevant to NES. This Forum article seeks to illustrate the lack of definitional agreement to underscore the need for a consensus about NES diagnostic criteria, and to propose steps toward closing knowledge gaps and achieving consensus. We searched PubMed and PsycINFO titles and abstracts, using "NES" as the search term, for research articles published in English between January 1, 2013 to August 12, 2024 with sample sizes of NES > 10 and ages 18 or older. Eligible articles were coded for NES definitions and assessment method used to diagnose participants with NES and for information about comorbidity of NES and any other eating disorder (ED). Seventy-three articles met inclusion criteria. Most commonly, NES was diagnosed using a diagnostic criteria set (35/73) or a symptom score threshold (34/73); among the former, only eight studies employed DSM-5 NES criteria. Thirteen studies, varying widely in methodology, examined comorbidity with other EDs, most commonly binge-eating disorder where comorbidity was high. Heterogeneity of definitions and assessment impede progress in the study of NES. We propose strategies for developing a consensus definition and addressing research gaps.

Behavioral changes and transcriptional regulation of mesolimbic dopaminergic genes in a mouse model of binge eating disorder by diet intermittent access.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is among the most prevalent eating disorders worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive consumption of palatable foods in short periods, accompanied by a sense of loss of control and distress around the episode, which tends to worsen over time. The mesolimbic dopaminergic system influences on reinforcement and reward-seeking behaviors is implicated in the disorder's pathogenesis. Animal models that replicate the clinical conditions observed in humans, including the disorder progression, are essential for understanding the underlying physiological mechanisms of BED. This study aimed to evaluate binge eating behavior induced by intermittent High Sugar and Butter (HSB) diet access in mice, their phenotypes, transcriptional regulation of mesolimbic dopaminergic system genes, and behavior. Thus, mice were subdivided into three groups: CHOW (maintenance diet only), HSB-i (maintenance diet with thrice-weekly access to HSB), and HSB (continuous access to HSB). Animals were subjected to marble-burying and light-dark box behavioral tests, and transcriptional regulation was evaluated by RT-qPCR. The results indicated that the HSB-i group established a feeding pattern of significantly more kilocalories on days when HSB was available and reduced intake on non-HSB days similar to human binge eating. Over time, binge episodes intensified, potentially indicating a tolerance effect. Additionally, these animals behave differently towards preferring the HSB diet and exhibited altered transcriptional regulation of the Drd1, Slc6a3, and Lrrk2 genes. Our study provides a mouse model that reflects human BED, showing a progression in binge episodes and mesolimbic dopamine pathway involvement, suggesting targets for future therapeutic interventions.

Evaluating the role of binge planning and binge inevitability within affect regulation models of binge eating

Affect regulation models posit that aversive affective states drive binge-eating behavior, which then regulates negative emotions. However, recent findings among individuals with binge-eating disorder (BED) suggest that food-related anticipatory processes may precede and potentially explain the negative affect thought to drive binge eating. Specifically, studies using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) demonstrate that the negative affective state of “Guilt” (from the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) most strongly predicts later binge eating in the natural environment, and it has been hypothesized that planning a binge or feeling that a binge-eating episode is inventible may account for the increases in Guilt observed prior to binge episodes. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that binge planning or inevitability may contribute to feelings of shame (a key facet of the broader Guilt construct), which then predict binge-eating episodes, using EMA in 43 individuals with BED. Consistent with hypotheses, feelings of binge inevitability and planning prospectively predicted binge-eating episodes. Further, binge planning predicted subsequent increases in shame. However, shame did not predict subsequent increases in binge planning. Finally, a mediation model revealed that binge planning (Time 1) predicted future binge eating (Time 3) directly and indirectly through increases in shame (Time 2). The results provide novel evidence that individuals with BED anticipate and actively plan for binge-eating episodes, and that binge planning may explain the increased shame/guilt typically observed before binge eating. Overall, accruing evidence suggests that negative affect, although predictive of binge eating, may be better conceptualized as a consequence of the anticipatory processes that lead to binge eating, rather than the starting point, at least among some individuals with BED. Future experimental research is needed to more conclusively test this hypothesis.

"I feel so small and big at the same time"-exploring body experience and binge eating disorder following inpatient treatment: a qualitative study.

Limited research into binge eating disorder (BED), a low treatment rate, and a lack of treatment rights, reflects a marginalized disorder in society and a treatment context. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the psychopathology of BED, by exploring the patients' meanings related to the disorder and the role of the body in the treatment of BED. Qualitative methodology using a reflexive thematic analysis. The data material is based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with six cis-gendered women who had previously completed an inpatient treatment program for BED at a department for EDs and met the criteria for 307.51 Binge Eating Disorder in DSM-5. The qualitative analysis rendered two meta-themes comprising six themes and 12 subthemes. The initial meta-theme was "Relational challenges and feelings could not be talked about at home." The secondary meta-theme was "Body contempt disturbs the experience of self and others" and the third was "Their body has not been a theme in previous treatment." This categorization depicts a narrative of the disorder in terms of development, current condition, and experiences with prior treatment. The findings indicate that shame and disgust are central to playing pivotal roles in the embodiment of BED, highlighting the significance of addressing one's relationship with their body for achieving recovery and preventing an experienced repetition of the perceived rejection as a child.

Distinct functional connectivity phenotypes in preadolescent children with binge eating disorder by BMI status.

The neurobiological mechanisms underpinning binge eating disorder (BED) in children remain largely unclear, as the alterations that have been identified to date may be attributable to BED, obesity, or compound effects. This study aimed to delineate functional connectivity (FC) patterns in inhibitory control and reward networks in preadolescent children with and without BED from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study according to BMI. Resting-state FC was examined in the inhibitory control network by using seeds in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the posterior cingulate cortex, whereas the reward network included seeds in the orbitofrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala. Seed-to-voxel analyses characterized FC differences between preadolescent children with BED with a high BMI and those with BED with a low BMI. We identified that BED was characterized by reduced connectivity between the reward network and regions in the default mode network, irrespective of weight status. Participants with BED also presented with hypoconnectivity in fronto-amygdalar circuits, which has been consistently associated with impaired emotion regulation capacity. Our findings support that FC alterations between the reward network and the default mode network may be specifically impacted by the presence of BED as opposed to weight status.

Dissecting implicit food-related behaviors in Binge Eating Disorder and obesity: insights from a mobile approach-avoidance framework.

Bulimic episodes experienced by patients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) might be sustained by an enhanced behavioral propensity to approach food stimuli. To test this hypothesis, automatic approach avoidance tendencies toward high-calorie foods (HCF), low-calorie foods (LCF), and neutral objects were assessed in a group of 23 patients with BED, and their performance was compared to the one of 17 patients with obesity without BED and a group of 32 normal weight participants. All participants performed a mobile approach-avoidance task in which they were required to approach and avoid different stimuli by respectively pulling their phone toward themselves or pushing it away. Reaction times were analyzed. Results showed a significant three-way interaction between group, type of movement and stimulus. Post-hoc analyses revealed that all the groups displayed an approach bias toward HCF. Patients with BED and healthy controls also displayed an approach bias toward LCF, a bias that was absent in obese individuals without BED. Moreover, patients with BED were faster in approaching food stimuli, both HCF and LCF, compared to healthy controls. These behavioral tendencies are quite consistent with the real-life attitudes of both BED patients and patients with obesity and might contribute to the maintenance of unhealthy eating habits such as binging in patients with BED and high-calorie diets in patients with obesity.

Neuroimaging studies of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in eating disorders

Eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge-eating disorder (BED), and pica, are psychobehavioral conditions characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and an excessive preoccupation with weight and body shape. This review examines changes in brain regions and functional connectivity in ED patients over the past decade (2013–2023) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Key findings highlight alterations in brain networks such as the default mode network (DMN), central executive network (CEN), and emotion regulation network (ERN). In individuals with AN, there is reduced functional connectivity in areas associated with facial information processing and social cognition, alongside increased connectivity in regions linked to sensory stimulation, aesthetic judgment, and social anxiety. Conversely, BED patients show diminished connectivity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex within the salience network and increased connectivity in the posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex within the DMN. These findings suggest that rs-fMRI could serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing brain function and predicting treatment outcomes in EDs, paving the way for personalized therapeutic strategies.

Impact of eating behavior on 24-month weight change after treatment of severe obesity-A clinical prospective cohort study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of self-reported baseline eating behaviors on 24-month weight change in adults with severe obesity. A prospective, nonrandomized clinical cohort study on surgical and medical obesity treatment included 971 adults (75% women) with a mean BMI of 42.0 (SD 4.9) kg/m2. To assess baseline eating behaviors and binge eating disorder, the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-Revised and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire were used. In analyses adjusted for treatment, age, sex, baseline weight, and BMI, those with nocturnal eating lost less weight (3.5 kg [95% CI: 0.02-6.9]; p < 0.05) at 24 months compared to those without nocturnal eating. Binge eating disorder was not significantly associated with weight loss over 24 months. Emotional eating was associated with less weight loss at 12 months: 1.16 kg per z score (95% CI: 0.37-1.95; p < 0.05). Compared with completers, dropout from medical obesity treatment was associated with emotional and uncontrolled eating at baseline (both p < 0.001). The association between pretreatment eating behaviors and weight change was found to be generalizable and not restricted to any specific treatment. Certain eating behaviors may affect weight loss as well as attrition. Identifying eating behaviors that may impair treatment efficacy are suggested in the treatment of severe obesity.

High-intensity interval training vs. yoga in improving binge eating and physical fitness in inactive young females

Yoga is effective in binge eating disorder (BED) treatment, but it does not seem effective enough to improve low physical fitness. In contrast, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is effective in improving physical fitness but has never been studied in the context of BED. In the study, 47 young inactive females with mild to moderate BED were recruited and randomly assigned to a HIIT group (HIIT), a Yoga group (YG), or a control group (CG; age, 19.47 ± 0.74, 19.69 ± 0.874, and 19.44 ± 0.63 years; BMI, 21.07 ± 1.66, 21.95 ± 2.67, and 20.68 ± 2.61 kg/m2, respectively). The intervention groups participated in 8-week specific exercises, while the CG maintained their usual daily activity. Before and after the training, participants were evaluated for BED using the binge eating scale (BES) and for physical fitness. The obtained data were compared within groups and between groups, and a correlation analysis between BES and physical fitness parameters was performed. After the training, the YG presented significant improvements in BES (− 20.25%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.408), fat mass (FM, − 3.13%, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.269), and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max, 11.51%, p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.601), whereas the HIIT showed significant improvements in body weight (BW, − 1.78%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.433), FM (− 3.94%, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.285), and BMI (− 1.80%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.428), but not in BES. Comparisons between groups revealed that both HIIT and YG had significantly higher VO2max levels than CG (HIIT 12.82%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.088; YG: 11.90%, p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.088) with no difference between HIIT and YG. Additionally, YG presented significantly lower BES than both HIIT (15.45%, p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.03) and CG (11.91%, p = 0.022, ηp2 = 0.03). In conclusion, Yoga is an effective treatment for BED, but HIIT is not, despite its high efficacy in improving physical fitness.