Innovative Treatment Demonstrates Superior Results in Reducing Binge-Eating Among Veterans

Recent research conducted by the University of California San Diego has introduced a promising new approach for treating binge-eating behaviors in veterans struggling with overweight or obesity. This novel therapy, known as regulation of cues combined with behavioral weight loss (ROC+BWL), has shown to be more effective than the widely used cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The study, published in JAMA Network Open, involved 129 veterans and found that those treated with ROC+BWL experienced a 20% reduction in binge-eating episodes compared to the CBT group, not only during the treatment but also sustained six months after its conclusion.

The innovative aspect of ROC centers on addressing two key appetitive traits: food responsiveness, or sensitivity to external food cues, and satiety responsiveness, or perception of internal fullness signals. The therapy helps individuals develop tolerance to cravings and better recognize hunger and satiety cues. The BWL component emphasizes calorie monitoring and physical activity to support weight loss.

The five-month randomized controlled trial took place from March 2019 to April 2023, recruiting veterans from the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System and the local community. Participants were randomly assigned to either ROC+BWL or CBT, attending weekly 90-minute group sessions and encouraged to engage in at least 250 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly. Results indicated that ROC+BWL significantly lowered binge-eating risk throughout the treatment timeline and led to greater weight loss during treatment, although weight differences diminished at follow-up.

Kerri Boutelle, Ph.D., emphasized that targeting how individuals respond to food cues may offer a more durable and effective treatment for binge-eating. While CBT remains the primary treatment, its effects on long-term weight loss are limited, making this new approach a compelling alternative. Further research is needed to evaluate its impact on weight maintenance.

Binge-eating, characterized by consuming large quantities of food with a loss of control, is prevalent among veterans and linked to higher rates of overweight and obesity. With 65% of women and 45% of men veterans reporting binge-eating symptoms, traditional military norms like quick eating and food deprivation increase their risk. The advancements in treatment strategies like ROC+BWL could significantly improve outcomes for this population.