Body Image and Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is evaluated through diagnostic criteria recently defined, has an increasing epidemiological relevance and is characterized by a specific medical and psychiatric comorbidity. BED can be clinically assessed through specific structured clinical interviews and psychometric scales evaluating binge eating behaviors and its emotional correlates. On a psychopathological and psychodynamic level, binge eating behaviors are strictly connected to body image disturbances, which are underpinned by a deeper alteration of the self, intended as an integrative structure of the mind that organizes and coordinates sensitive, affective, cognitive and social functions. In particular, overvaluation of weight and shape, body dissatisfaction, internal weight bias and self-esteem appears to be the most relevant domains involved in BED development and maintenance. Therefore, comprehensive interventions for prevention and treatment of BED need to consider the key role of such domains and body image alterations and address the underlying self-image disturbances.