Comparison of psychological characteristics of binging and nonbinging obese, adult, female outpatients

Objective: This study compared levels of depression, anxiety and self-esteem in binging and nonbinging obese, adult females in a hospital weight-loss program. Method: Participants (n=43; mean age=43.5 yrs) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI) upon entering the program (Week 0). A subgroup (n=15) completed the same inventories on Week 4 and Week 8. Results: Binge eaters had significantly higher levels of depression (p<0.002) and lower levels of self-esteem (p<0.00i) on Week 0. For the subgroup that remained in the program through Week 8, significantly higher depression levels (p<0.01) and anxiety levels (p<0.05) persisted for the binge eaters. Discussion: Results indicate that obese binge eaters have more psychological distress than nonbingers, and that these differences tend to persist even during weight loss.