Brain white matter microstructure in obese women with binge eating disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Research on potential brain circuit abnormalities in binge eating disorder (BED) is limited. Here, we assess white matter (WM) microstructure in obese women with BED. METHOD: Diffusion tensor imaging data were acquired, and tract-based spatial statistics used to examine WM in women with BED who were obese (n = 17) compared to normal-weight (NWC) (n = 17) and to women who were obese (OBC) (n = 13). Body mass index (BMI) was a covariate in the analyses. RESULTS: The BED group (vs. NWC) had greater axial diffusion (AD) in the forceps minor, anterior thalamic radiation, superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculus, that is, in pathways connecting fronto-limbic regions. Microstructures differences in AD between the BED and OBC groups were seen in fronto-limbic pathways extending to temporoparietal pathways. The BED (vs. OBC) group had greater fractional anisotropy in the forceps minor and greater AD in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulate gyrus, and corpus callosum, consistent with fronto-tempoparietal pathways. CONCLUSION: Women with BED show WM alterations in AD in fronto-limbic and parietal pathways that are important in decision-making processes. As BMI was a covariate in the analyses, alterations in BED may be part of the pathology, but whether they are a cause or effect of illness is unclear.

Concept and evaluation of food craving: unidimensional scales based on the Trait and the State Food Craving Questionnaire.

"Craving" is a motivational state that promotes an intense desire related to consummatory behaviors. Despite growing interest in the concept of food craving, there is a lack of available instruments to assess it in Brazilian Portuguese. The objectives were to translate and adapt the Trait and the State Food Craving Questionnaire (FCQ-T and FCQ-S) to Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate the psychometric properties of these versions.The FCQ-T and FCQ-S were translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese and administered to students at the Federal University of São Paulo. Both questionnaires in their original models were examined considering different estimators (frequentist and bayesian). The goodness of fit underlying the items from both scales was assessed through the following fit indices: χ2, WRMR residual, comparative fit index, Tucker-Lewis index and RMSEA. Data from 314 participants were included in the analyses. Poor fit indices were obtained for both of the original questionnaires regardless of the estimator used and original structural model. Thus, three eating disorder experts reviewed the content of the instruments and selected the items which were considered to assess the core aspects of the craving construct. The new and reduced models (questionnaires) generated good fit indices. Our abbreviated versions of FCQ-S and FCQ-T considerably diverge from the conceptual framework of the original questionnaires. Based on the results of this study, we propose a possible alternative, i.e., to assess craving for food as a unidimensional construct.

Concept and evaluation of food craving: unidimensional scales based on the Trait and the State Food Craving Questionnaire / O conceito e a avaliação da compulsão alimentar: escalas unidimensionais baseadas no Trait e no State Food Craving Questionnaire / Concepto y evaluación de antojos alimentarios: escalas unidimensionales, basadas en el Trait y el State Food Craving Questionnaire

Abstract: "Craving" is a motivational state that promotes an intense desire related to consummatory behaviors. Despite growing interest in the concept of food craving, there is a lack of available instruments to assess it in Brazilian Portuguese. The objectives were to translate and adapt the Trait and the State Food Craving Questionnaire (FCQ-T and FCQ-S) to Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate the psychometric properties of these versions.The FCQ-T and FCQ-S were translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese and administered to students at the Federal University of São Paulo. Both questionnaires in their original models were examined considering different estimators (frequentist and bayesian). The goodness of fit underlying the items from both scales was assessed through the following fit indices: χ2, WRMR residual, comparative fit index, Tucker-Lewis index and RMSEA. Data from 314 participants were included in the analyses. Poor fit indices were obtained for both of the original questionnaires regardless of the estimator used and original structural model. Thus, three eating disorder experts reviewed the content of the instruments and selected the items which were considered to assess the core aspects of the craving construct. The new and reduced models (questionnaires) generated good fit indices. Our abbreviated versions of FCQ-S and FCQ-T considerably diverge from the conceptual framework of the original questionnaires. Based on the results of this study, we propose a possible alternative, i.e., to assess craving for food as a unidimensional construct.

Resumo: A compulsão alimentar ("craving" ou "fissura") é um estado motivacional que produz um desejo intenso relacionado a comportamentos de consumo. Apesar do crescente interesse no conceito da compulsão alimentar, para poder avaliá-la adequadamente, faltam instrumentos traduzidos e adaptados para o português do brasileiro. Os objetivos foram traduzir e adaptar o Trait e o State Food Craving Questionnaire (FCQ-T e FCQ-S) para o português brasileiro e avaliar as propriedades psicométricas destas versões. O FCQ-T e FCQ-S foram traduzidos e adaptados para ao português brasileiro e aplicados a alunos da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Os modelos originais de ambos os questionários foram analisados com diferentes estimadores (de frequência e bayesianos). Foi avaliada a qualidade do ajuste subjacente aos itens de ambas escalas, usando os seguintes índices: χ2, WRMR, índice de ajuste comparativo, índice de Tucker-Lewis e RMSEA. As análises incluíram os dados de 314 participantes. Foram obtidos índices de ajuste baixos para ambos questionários originais, independentemente do estimador utilizado e do modelo estrutural original. Assim, três especialistas em transtornos alimentares revisaram o conteúdo dos instrumentos e selecionaram os itens para avaliar os aspectos centrais do construto de compulsão alimentar. Os modelos (questionários) novos e reduzidos produziram índices satisfatórios de qualidade de ajuste. Discussão: Nossas versões abreviadas do FCQ-S e do FCQ-T divergem consideravelmente do arcabouço conceitual dos questionários originais. Com base nos achados, propomos uma alternativa possível, isto é, para avaliar a compulsão alimentar enquanto construto unidimensional.

Resumen: "Craving" es un estado motivacional que suscita un deseo intenso relacionado con hábitos de consumo. A pesar del creciente interés en el concepto de food craving (antojos alimentarios), existe una falta de disponibilidad de instrumentos para evaluarlo con el portugués de Brasil. Los objetivos fueron traducir y adaptar el Trait y el State Food Craving Questionnaire (FCQ-T y FCQ-S) al portugués de Brasil y evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de estas versiones. El FCQ-T y el FCQ-S fueron traducidos y adaptados al portugués de Brasil y se administraron a estudiantes en la Universidad Federal de São Paulo. Se examinaron los modelos originales en ambos cuestionarios, considerando diferentes estimadores (de frecuencia y bayesianos). La bondad de ajuste que subyace en los ítems de ambas escalas se evaluó mediante los siguientes índices de ajuste: χ2, WRMR, índice de ajuste comparativo, el índice de Tucker-Lewis y la RMSEA. Los resultados contaron con los datos de 314 participantes que fueron incluidos en los análisis. Se obtuvieron escasos índices de ajuste en ambos cuestionarios originales, independientemente del estimador usado y modelo estructural original. De este modo, tres expertos en desórdenes alimenticios revisaron el contenido de los instrumentos y seleccionaron los ítems que fueron considerados, con el fin de evaluar los aspectos fundamentales del constructo "craving". Los modelos nuevos y reducidos (cuestionarios) generaron índices de ajuste positivos. Nuestras versiones abreviadas del FCQ-S y FCQ-T divergían considerablemente del marco conceptual respecto a los cuestionarios originales. Basado en los resultados de este estudio, proponemos una posible alternativa, por ejemplo, evaluar el craving for food como un constructo unidimensional.

Comparing cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders integrated with behavioural weight loss therapy to cognitive behavioural therapy-enhanced alone in overweight or obese people with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Around 40 % of individuals with eating disorders of recurrent binge eating, namely bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, are obese. In contrast to binge eating disorder, currently there is no evidence base for weight management or weight loss psychological therapies in the treatment of bulimia nervosa despite their efficacy in binge eating disorder. Thus, a manualised therapy called HAPIFED (Healthy APproach to weIght management and Food in Eating Disorders) has been developed. HAPIFED integrates the leading evidence-based psychological therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy-enhanced (CBT-E) and behavioural weight loss treatment (BWLT) for binge eating disorder and obesity respectively. The aim of the present study is to detail the protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of HAPIFED versus CBT-E for people with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder who are overweight/obese. METHOD/DESIGN: A single-blind superiority RCT is proposed. One hundred Brazilian participants aged ≥ 18 years, with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, BMI > 27 to < 40 kg/m(2), will be recruited from both community and clinics and individually randomised to a therapy arm. Five groups of ten participants will receive the experimental intervention (HAPIFED) and the other five groups of ten the control intervention (CBT-E). Both therapies are manualised, and in this RCT will comprise 1 individual session and 29 office-based group sessions over 6 months. Assessment points will be at baseline, end of therapy, and 6 and 12 months after end of therapy. The primary outcome of this intervention will be reduced weight. Secondary outcomes will be improved metabolic indicators of weight management, reduction in eating disorder symptoms including improved control over eating, improved adaptive function, physical and mental health-related quality of life, and reduced levels of depression and anxiety. DISCUSSION: This study will be the first to investigate a psychological therapy that aims to assist weight management in people with co-morbid overweight or obesity bulimia nervosa as well as with binge eating disorder. It will have the potential to improve health outcomes for the rapidly increasing number of adults with co-morbid obesity and binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa. TRIAL REGISTRATION: US National Institutes of Health clinical trial registration number NCT02464345 , date of registration 1 June 2015.

The effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in obese females with binge eating disorder: a protocol for a double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Binge eating disorder is a new category in DSM-5 and highly associated with higher body mass index. The neural mechanisms that underlie binge eating are of great interest in order to improve treatment interventions. Brain mechanisms underlying drug and food craving are suggested to be similar: for example, both are reported to be associated with increased neural activity in the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex, and a diminished regulatory influence from lateral prefrontal circuits. Several studies have begun to assess the potential benefits of brain stimulation in reducing craving and addictive behaviors. Data from a study of a one-off session of transcranial magnetic stimulation in healthy women identified as strong cravers and of individuals with bulimic-type eating disorders, reported a reduction in food craving and binge eating episodes. This provides support for a more extensive investigation of the potential therapeutic benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation. Lastly, brain imaging studies and a dimensional approach, will improve understanding of the neural correlates of the disorders and of the mode of action of transcranial magnetic stimulation. METHODS/DESIGN: Sixty eligible obese females, with binge eating disorder, will be randomly allocated to receive 20 sessions of transcranial magnetic stimulation intervention (n = 30) or the sham transcranial magnetic stimulation intervention (n = 30) scattered 3 days/week. Thirty eligible controls will complete the baseline assessment. The primary outcome (number of binge eating episodes) will be assed at each treatment sessions, and 8 weeks after intervention completion (follow-up). It is hypothesized that mean weekly binge-eating episodes will be reduced in the intervention group, compared to the sham group, and that the effect will be maintained at follow-up. DISCUSSION: Despite the severity associated with Binge Eating Disorder, there are limited treatment options. This study is an important step in the development of more effective treatments. Importantly, the study is the first to investigating binge eating disorder using a dimensional approach, by looking at the different aspects of the disorder, such as behavioral factors, biological factors, brain circuits and chemistry. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT02180984 . Registered in July 2014.

Impact of physiologic estrogen replacement on anxiety symptoms, body shape perception, and eating attitudes in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa: data from a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by low weight, aberrant eating attitudes, body image distortion, and hypogonadism. Anxiety is a common comorbid condition. Estrogen replacement reduces anxiety in animal models, and reported variations in food intake across the menstrual cycle may be related to gonadal steroid levels. The impact of estrogen replacement on anxiety, eating attitudes, and body image has not been reported in anorexia nervosa. We hypothesized that physiologic estrogen replacement would ameliorate anxiety and improve eating attitudes without affecting body image in anorexia nervosa. METHOD: Girls 13-18 years old with anorexia nervosa (DSM-IV) were randomized to transdermal estradiol (100 µg twice weekly) with cyclic progesterone or placebo patches and pills for 18-months, between 2002 and 2010. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2), and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34) were administered. 72 girls completed these measures at baseline (n=38 [girls receiving estrogen] and n=34 [girls receiving placebo]) and 37 at 18 months (n=20 [girls receiving estrogen] and n=17 [girls receiving placebo]). The primary outcome measure was the change in these scores over 18 months. RESULTS: Estrogen replacement caused a decrease in STAIC-trait scores (-3.05 [1.22] vs. 2.07 [1.73], P=.02), without impacting STAIC-state scores (-1.11 [2.17] vs. 0.20 [1.42], P=.64). There was no effect of estrogen replacement on EDI-2 or BSQ-34 scores. Body mass index (BMI) changes did not differ between groups, and effects of estrogen replacement on STAIC-trait scores persisted after controlling for BMI changes (P=.03). Increases in serum estradiol were significantly associated with decreases in STAIC-trait scores (Spearman ρ = -0.45, P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen replacement improved trait anxiety (the tendency to experience anxiety) but did not impact eating attitudes or body shape perception. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00088153.

Nocturnal oxytocin secretion is lower in amenorrheic athletes than nonathletes and associated with bone microarchitecture and finite element analysis parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Preclinical data indicate that oxytocin, a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and secreted into the peripheral circulation, is anabolic to bone. Oxytocin knockout mice have severe osteoporosis, and administration of oxytocin improves bone microarchitecture in these mice. Data suggest that exercise may modify oxytocin secretion, but this has not been studied in athletes in relation to bone. We therefore investigated oxytocin secretion and its association with bone microarchitecture and strength in young female athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 45 females, 14-21 years (15 amenorrheic athletes (AA), 15 eumenorrheic athletes (EA), and 15 nonathletes (NA)), of comparable bone age and BMI. METHODS: We used high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT to assess bone microarchitecture and finite element analysis to estimate bone strength at the weight-bearing distal tibia and non-weight-bearing ultradistal radius. Serum samples were obtained every 60  min, 2300-0700  h, and pooled for an integrated measure of nocturnal oxytocin secretion. Midnight and 0700  h samples were used to assess diurnal variation of oxytocin. RESULTS: Nocturnal oxytocin levels were lower in AA and EA than in NA. After controlling for estradiol, the difference in nocturnal oxytocin between AA and NA remained significant. Midnight and 0700  h oxytocin levels did not differ between groups. At the tibia and radius, AA had impaired microarchitecture compared with NA. In AA, nocturnal oxytocin correlated strongly with trabecular and cortical microarchitecture, particularly at the non-weight-bearing radius. In regression models that include known predictors of microarchitecture in AA, oxytocin accounted for a substantial portion of the variability in microarchitectural and strength parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturnal oxytocin secretion is low in AA compared with NA and associated with site-dependent microarchitectural parameters. Oxytocin may contribute to hypoestrogenemic bone loss in AA.