Table 64Strength of evidence for psychological and behavioral interventions to improve outcomes in binge-eating disorder

Intervention and ComparatorNumber of Studies (Sample Sizes)Outcome and ResultsStrength of Evidence
Therapist-led CBT versus waitlistMA of 4 RCTs (N=295)CBT increased binge abstinence: RR, 4.95 (95% CI, 3.06 to 8.00, p = 0.000)High for benefit
MA of 3 RCTs (N=208)CBT decreased the frequency of binge episodes per week: mean difference −2.32 (95% CI, −4.56 to −0.09, p=0.04)High for benefit
5 RCTs (N=344)CBT decreased eating-related psychopathologyHigh for benefit
5 RCTs (N=344)No difference for BMIModerate for no difference
5 RCTs (N=344)No difference for depressionModerate for no difference
Partially therapist-led CBT versus waitlist2 RCTs (N=162)CBT decreased binge frequencyLow for benefit
2 RCTs (N=162)CBT increased binge abstinenceLow for benefit
2 RCTs (N=162)No difference for BMILow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=162)No difference for depressionLow for no difference
Structured self-help CBT versus waitlist2 RCTs (N=162)CBT decreased binge frequencyLow for benefit
2 RCTs (N=162)No difference for BMILow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=162)No difference for depressionLow for no difference
Guided self-help CBT versus waitlist2 RCTs (N=122)CBT increased binge abstinenceLow for CBT benefit
2 RCTs (N=122)CBT decreased binge frequencyLow for CBT benefit
2 RCTs (N=122)CBT decreased eating-related psychopathologyLow for CBT benefit
Therapist-led versus partially therapist-led CBT2 RCTs (N=158)No difference in binge frequency or abstinenceLow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=158)No difference in eating-related psychopathologyLow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=158)No difference in BMILow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=158)No difference in symptoms of depressionLow for no difference
Therapist-led versus structured self-help CBT2 RCTs (N=158)No difference in eating-related psychopathologyLow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=158)No difference in BMILow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=158)No difference in symptoms of depressionLow for no difference
Partially therapist-led versus structured self-help CBT2 RCTs (N=164)No difference in binge frequency or abstinenceLow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=164)No difference in eating-related psychopathologyLow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=164)No difference in BMILow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=164)No difference in symptoms of depressionLow for no difference
Therapist-led CBT versus BWL2 RCTs (N=170)CBT decreased binge frequency more than BWL at end of treatment and up to 12-month followupLow for CBT benefit
2 RCTs (N=170)No difference in abstinenceLow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=170)No difference in eating-related psychopathologyLow for no difference
2 RCTs (N=170)BWL decreased BMI more than CBT at end of treatmentModerate for BWL benefit
2 RCTs (N=170)No difference in symptoms of depressionLow for no difference

BMI = body mass index; BWL = behavioral weight loss; CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy; N = number; RCT = randomized controlled trial.

From: Discussion

Cover of Management and Outcomes of Binge-Eating Disorder
Management and Outcomes of Binge-Eating Disorder [Internet].
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews, No. 160.
Berkman ND, Brownley KA, Peat CM, et al.

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