The prevalence of binge eating and binge eating disorder in adults seeking obesity treatment

Adults living with obesity have a higher risk of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours such as binge eating (1,2) . However, the prevalence of disordered eating/eating disorders in adults presenting for obesity treatment is unknown and this information is needed to guide service provision. This systematic review aimed to estimate the prevalence of disordered eating/eating disorders in adults presenting for obesity treatment. Embase, MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched to March 2024. Eligible studies (k) measured disordered eating/eating disorders in adults with overweight/obesity presenting for obesity treatment and included ≥ 325 participants to ensure a representative sample. Prevalence estimates were synthesised using random effect meta-analysis. 81 studies were included (n = 92,002, 75.9% female, median (IQR) age 44 (6) years, BMI 45 (11) kg/m 2 . Most studies were conducted in the United States (k = 44) and Italy (k = 15). Most prevalence data related to binge eating disorder or binge eating severity. The pooled prevalence of binge eating disorder, assessed by clinical interview, was 17% (95% CI: 12–22, 95% prediction interval (PI): 0–42, k = 19, n = 13447, τ 2 = 0.01) using DSM-IV criteria and 12% (95% CI: 5–20, 95% PI: 0–40, k = 9, n = 7680, τ 2 = 0.01) using DSM-V criteria. The pooled prevalence for severe binge eating (Binge Eating Scale score > 25) was 12% (95% CI: 8–16, 95% PI: 0–31, k = 18, n = 12136, τ 2 = 0.01). For binge eating disorder, measured by clinical interview, the prevalence range for females and males was 14.9 to 27.0% (k = 12), and 4.0 to 24.1% (k = 3) respectively. For moderate to severe binge eating (Binge Eating Scale score ≥ 18) the prevalence for females and males ranged from 20.0 to 32.8%, and 7.1 to 77.5% (k = 2). Three studies reported prevalence by ethnicity. The prevalence of severe binge eating (Binge Eating Scale scores ≥ 27) was 9.5 to 41.7% in white populations (k = 2), 7.5 to 35.8% in black populations (k = 2), and 5.7% in Hispanic populations (k = 1). One study reported binge eating disorder, assessed by clinical interview, for white, black and Hispanic populations and reported prevalence of 15.3%, 11.3% and 11.4% respectively. Overall, there was high variability in the prevalence of binge eating and binge eating disorder in adults presenting for obesity treatment, with available data indicating prevalence can range up to 42%. It is important to identify which population level factors drive this heterogeneity to inform service provision however, the limited data highlights a significant knowledge gap in the reporting of eating disorders in underrepresented populations which needs to be addressed.