A comparison of quality of life in obese individuals with and without binge eating disorder

Objective: This study investigates whether binge eating disorder (BED) in obese individuals is associated with a greater degree of impairment in quality of life (QOL) than obesity alone. Method: Treatment-seeking obese individuals with and without BED were compared on QOL scores using the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQOL-Lite) questionnaire. Results: With the exception of the Physical Function subscale, obese individuals with BED scored significantly higher than non-BED participants on each of the subscales and on the total scale of the IWQOL-Lite. For all participants, body mass index (BMI) was related significantly to scores on the Physical Function and Public Distress subscales of the IWQOL-Lite. Discussion: Obese individuals with BED have impaired functioning on psychosocial aspects of QOL in addition to poorer physical functioning associated with obesity. These findings underscore the pervasive impact of BED in obese individuals, as BED is associated with more impairment than obesity alone.