Belgian researchers from the University Psychiatric Center, KULeuven Campus in  Kortenberg investigated the efficacy of a manualized cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approach for patients with obesity and binge eating disorder (BED), on the short and longer term.
 
Investigators used a prospective study without a control group, consisting of three measurements (a baseline measurement and two follow-up assessments, up to 5 years after the start of the CBT treatment).

A total of 56 patients with obesity and BED (mean age = 39.7 ± 10-9 years; body mass index [BMI] = 38.5 ± 8.3 kg/m (2)) participated in the study.  

BMI, number of binges per week, general psychological well-being, mood, attitude toward one's body, and loss of control over the eating behavior were evaluated by means of mixed models.

Results indicated that a CBT approach, offered 1 day a week during an average 7 months, produces benefits on eating behaviors, weight, and psychological parameters that are durable up to 3.5 years post treatment.

Citation:  Vanderlinden J, Adriaensen A, Vancampfort D, Pieters G, Probst M, Vansteelandt K. A cognitive- behavioral therapeutic program for patients with obesity and binge eating disorder: short- and long- term follow-up data of a prospective study. Behav Modif. 2012 Sep;36(5):670-86. [email protected]