Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized as recurring episodes of consuming large quantities of food, usually accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame.1 In BED, binges are not followed by compensatory behaviors, such as purging or laxative use. It’s a serious mental health condition that often coexists with anxiety, depression, and trauma history. BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting people of all body sizes, backgrounds, and genders.2
With the rising popularity of GLP-1 RA medications and their effects on appetite and satiety, you may wonder: can these medications help with binge eating too?
Let’s explore what the current research says.
If you need a refresher on GLP-1 RA medications, check out our blogs on GLP and GIP Hormones: What Do They Do? and What Happens if GLP-RA and GIPs Don’t Work?
What does the research say?
Only a handful of small studies have looked specifically at GLP-1 RA use in BED. A retrospective study found that use of GLP-1 RA was associated with greater reductions in scores on the Binge Eating Scale compared to those prescribed other medications for management of binge eating.3 Similarly, another study found that the number of binge episodes per week decreased among individuals on GLP-1 RA.4 Yet, the reduction in binge episodes in the GLP-1 RA group was not significantly different than the reduction in binge episodes in the placebo group,4 meaning that the GLP-1 RA was not superior to placebo at reducing binge eating episodes. Furthermore, changes in eating behavior, depressive symptoms, and quality of life did not differ between the groups,4 indicating that GLP-1 RA did not benefit the psychosocial aspects of binge eating. Lastly, one study looked at GLP-1 RA in individuals with subclinical binge eating. While the use of GLP-1 RA did lead to significant reduction in scores on the Binge Eating Scale, the control group (which wasn’t on GLP-1 RA) had significant reductions in their scores as well.5
Overall, these studies were of relatively short duration, making the long term effects unknown.
While GLP-1 RA may provide a pharmacological approach targeted to satiety signals and food reward pathways, cognitive behavioral therapy-based approaches are still considered the most effective long-term intervention for binge eating behaviors.6 Larger, more rigorous studies are needed to truly understand the effects effectiveness of GLP-1 RA on binge eating outcomes.
Some considerations
Many considerations should be discussed when considering GLP-1 RA for binge eating.7 First, it is important to note that GLP-1 RA medications are not currently approved for the treatment of eating disorders.
Second, these medications should not be used as a standalone treatment for binge eating. An overall comprehensive treatment plan, including psychotherapy and nutrition, should be utilized. The mental health and emotional drivers behind binge eating should be considered and addressed as part of treatment. Although the frequency of binge eating may reduce on these medications, there is a chance that the medications may mask the symptoms of binge eating without addressing the root causes leading someone to binge. Hence, the importance of working comprehensively to address binge eating. The possibility of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and constipation exist. Additionally, there may be medication access issues or cost concerns.
Currently, these medications are being recommended to be taken lifelong. If GLP-1 RA medications are stopped, there is a chance of binge behaviors returning again (particularly if work wasn’t done to address the root causes).
Though, know that you are not alone!
If you are struggling with binge eating and curious about GLP-1 RA – work with one of our qualified RDs trained in disordered eating. Together we will take a whole person approach to discuss your unique situation and develop a plan that best supports you.
In the meantime, please be sure to check out our Binge No More To Do List and How to Take the Shame Out of Overeating.
References
- American Psychiatric Association, ed. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5-TR. Fifth edition, text revision. American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.
- Udo T, Grilo CM. Prevalence and Correlates of DSM-5–Defined Eating Disorders in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Adults. Biol Psychiatry. 2018;84(5):345-354. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.03.014
- Richards J, Bang N, Ratliff EL, et al. Successful treatment of binge eating disorder with the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide: A retrospective cohort study. Obes Pillars. 2023;7:100080. doi:10.1016/j.obpill.2023.100080
- Allison KC, Chao AM, Bruzas MB, et al. A pilot randomized controlled trial of liraglutide 3.0 mg for binge eating disorder. Obes Sci Pract. 2023;9(2):127-136. doi:10.1002/osp4.619
- Robert SA, Rohana AG, Shah SA, Chinna K, Wan Mohamud WN, Kamaruddin NA. Improvement in binge eating in non-diabetic obese individuals after 3 months of treatment with liraglutide – A pilot study. Obes Res Clin Pract. 2015;9(3):301-304. doi:10.1016/j.orcp.2015.03.005
- Aoun L, Almardini S, Saliba F, et al. GLP-1 receptor agonists: A novel pharmacotherapy for binge eating (Binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa)? A systematic review. J Clin Transl Endocrinol. 2024;35:100333. doi:10.1016/j.jcte.2024.100333
- Bartel S, McElroy SL, Levangie D, Keshen A. Use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in eating disorder populations. Int J Eat Disord. 2024;57(2):286-293. doi:10.1002/eat.24109
