Binge eating, body mass index, and gastrointestinal symptoms

• Published in: Journal of psychosomatic research 2013-11, Vol.75 (5), p.456-461
• Main Authors: Peat, Christine M, Huang, Lu, Thornton, Laura M, Von Holle, Ann F, Trace, Sara E, Lichtenstein, Paul, Pedersen, Nancy L, Overby, D. Wayne, Bulik, Cynthia M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Binge eating; Body Mass Index; Bulimia; Comorbidity; Eating; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux - epidemiology; Gastroesophageal Reflux - etiology; Gastroesophageal reflux disease; Gastrointestinal Diseases - epidemiology; Gastrointestinal Diseases - etiology; Humans; Irritable bowel syndrome; Irritable Bowel Syndrome - epidemiology; Irritable Bowel Syndrome - etiology; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Psychiatry
• ISSN: 0022-3999; 1879-1360
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.08.009

Abstract Objective Symptoms of both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are frequently reported by individuals who binge eat. Higher body mass index (BMI) has also been associated with these disorders and with binge eating (BE). However, it is unknown whether BE influences GERD/IBS and how BMI might affect these associations. Thus, we examined the potential associations among BE, GERD, IBS, and BMI. Methods Participants were from the Swedish Twin study of Adults: Genes and Environment (STAGE) and provided information on disordered eating behavior, BMI, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, and commonly comorbid psychiatric and somatic illnesses. Key features of GERD and IBS were identified to create modified definitions of both disorders that were used as primary outcome variables. Logistic regression models were applied to determine the association between BE and each GERD/IBS both independently and in the context of BMI and other commonly comorbid psychiatric and somatic morbidities. Results Prevalence estimates for GERD and IBS were higher among women than men (all p -values < .001). Only the association between BE and IBS was significant in both men and women after adjustment for BMI and the psychiatric/somatic morbidities. Conclusion BE appears to be an important consideration in the presence of IBS symptoms in both men and women, even when considering the impact of BMI and other commonly comorbid conditions. This association underscores the importance of routine assessment of BE in patients presenting with IBS to effectively manage the concurrent presentation of these problems.