Outcomes for binge eating disorder in a remote weight-inclusive treatment program: a case report

• Published in: Journal of eating disorders 2023-05, Vol.11 (1), p.80-15, Article 80
• Main Authors: Shepherd, Caitlin B, Boswell, Rebecca G, Genet, Jessica, Oliver-Pyatt, Wendy, Stockert, Christine, Brumm, Rebecca, Riebl, Shaun, Crowe, Elsbeth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Binge eating; Care and treatment; Case Report; Case reports; Comorbidity; Compulsive eating; Diabetes; Eating behavior; Eating disorders; Evidence-based medicine; Group counseling; Intuitive eating; Meals; Medical complications; Medical personnel; Metabolism; Mindfulness; Mortality; Nutrition; Patient outcomes; Post traumatic stress disorder; Professionals; Psychiatric comorbidity; Psychopathology; Psychotherapy; Public health; Quality of life; Stigma; Telemedicine; Type 2 diabetes; Weight-inclusive
• ISSN: 2050-2974; 2050-2974
• DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00804-0

There are no known published reports on outcomes for medically and psychiatrically compromised patients with binge eating disorder (BED) treated remotely in higher level of care settings. This case report presents outcomes of an intentionally remote weight-inclusive partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program based on Health at Every Size® and intuitive eating principles. The patient presented with an extensive trauma background and long history of disturbed eating and body image. She was diagnosed with BED along with several comorbidities, most notably major depressive disorder with suicidality and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. She completed a total of 186 days in the comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment program encompassing individual and group therapy, as well as other supportive services such as meal support and in vivo exposure sessions. Upon discharge, her BED was in remission, her major depressive disorder was in partial remission, and she no longer exhibited signs of suicidality. Overall, she showed decreases in eating disorder, depressive, and anxiety symptoms as well as increases in quality of life and intuitive eating throughout treatment, which were largely maintained after one year. This case highlights the potential of remote treatment as an option for individuals with BED, especially in cases where access to higher levels of care might be limited. These findings exemplify how a weight-inclusive approach can be effectively applied when working with this population.