Introduction: This study evaluated controlled treatment studies of pharmacotherapy for binge eating disorder (BED).
Areas covered: The primary focus of the review was on Phase II and III controlled trials testing medications for BED. A total of 46 studies were considered and 26 were reviewed in detail. BED outcomes included binge eating remission, binge eating frequency, associated eating disorder psychopathology, associated depression and weight loss.
Expert opinion: Data from controlled trials suggest that certain medications are superior to placebo for stopping binge eating and for producing faster reductions in binge eating, and - to varying degrees - for reducing associated eating disorder psychopathology, depression and weight loss over the short term. Almost no data exist regarding longer-term effects of medication for BED. Except for topiramate, which reduces both binge eating and weight, weight loss is minimal with medications tested for BED. Psychological interventions and the combination of medication with psychological interventions produce binge eating outcomes that are superior to medication-only approaches. Combining medications with psychological interventions does not significantly enhance binge eating outcomes, although the addition of certain medications enhances weight losses achieved with cognitive-behavioral therapy and behavioral weight loss, albeit modestly.