Abstract
Introduction Overvaluation of shape and weight is a critical component in understanding and diagnosing eat
ing disorders. While the transdiagnostic model states that overvaluation of shape and weight is the core pathology
of all eating disorders, this concept is not a criterion for binge-eating disorder. The lack of recognition of overvalua
tion of shape and weight may lead to overlooking, and consequently failure to address this construct during treat
ment. The aim of the present review is to examine whether overvaluation is a critical component in understanding
and diagnosing binge-eating disorder and whether it should be addressed during treatment, and therefore be added
as a criterion of binge-eating disorder.
Methods The present review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (reg
istration number: CRD42024541433). PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed (Medline), and Google Scholar were used
in order to systematically search and review literature by using a list of keywords related to overvaluation of shape
and weight and binge-eating disorder. All N = 93 peer-reviewed studies were published in English from 1993 onwards.
Results Overvaluation of shape and weight was more severe among individuals with binge-eating disorder com
pared to individuals with solely a similar high BMI. In addition, levels of overvaluation in binge-eating disorder
were comparable in severity with that of individuals of the other named eating disorder subtypes. Overvaluation
was positively associated with other psychiatric symptoms, a risk factor for the onset of binge eating in adolescents
and predicted poorer treatment outcomes. It was not clear whether overvaluation predicted dropout from Cognitive
Behavior Therapy interventions.
Discussion It is suggested to consider including overvaluation of shape and weight as a criterion for the diagno
sis of binge-eating disorder. Including overvaluation in the DSM and ICD may prevent overlooking this construct,
and potentially enhance treatment outcomes
ing disorders. While the transdiagnostic model states that overvaluation of shape and weight is the core pathology
of all eating disorders, this concept is not a criterion for binge-eating disorder. The lack of recognition of overvalua
tion of shape and weight may lead to overlooking, and consequently failure to address this construct during treat
ment. The aim of the present review is to examine whether overvaluation is a critical component in understanding
and diagnosing binge-eating disorder and whether it should be addressed during treatment, and therefore be added
as a criterion of binge-eating disorder.
Methods The present review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (reg
istration number: CRD42024541433). PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed (Medline), and Google Scholar were used
in order to systematically search and review literature by using a list of keywords related to overvaluation of shape
and weight and binge-eating disorder. All N = 93 peer-reviewed studies were published in English from 1993 onwards.
Results Overvaluation of shape and weight was more severe among individuals with binge-eating disorder com
pared to individuals with solely a similar high BMI. In addition, levels of overvaluation in binge-eating disorder
were comparable in severity with that of individuals of the other named eating disorder subtypes. Overvaluation
was positively associated with other psychiatric symptoms, a risk factor for the onset of binge eating in adolescents
and predicted poorer treatment outcomes. It was not clear whether overvaluation predicted dropout from Cognitive
Behavior Therapy interventions.
Discussion It is suggested to consider including overvaluation of shape and weight as a criterion for the diagno
sis of binge-eating disorder. Including overvaluation in the DSM and ICD may prevent overlooking this construct,
and potentially enhance treatment outcomes
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Eating Disorders |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Jan 2025 |
Keywords
- Binge-eating disorder, Overvaluation of shape and weight, Prevalence, Treatment outcomes, Systematic review