Identifying binge-eating disorders in obese young people living in vulnerable areas of Marseille

Background While anxiety, depression and self-esteem have been identified as contributors to obesity, binge-eating disorder (BED) also requires attention to avoid worsening obesity. However, handling obese young people living in vulnerable neighbourhoods is rather difficult both in terms of psychosocial representations of obesity and the poor care offer. The objective of our exploratory research is to study the impact of a dedicated multidisciplinary management program on anxiety and depression of obese young adolescents presenting with, or not, a binge-eating disorder. Methods Twelve patients (7 girls, 5 boys; mean age: 12.8 +/-1.3 years, range: 11-17) participated so far in this ongoing study. The mean body mass index was 36.5 +/- 7.2 (range: 27-53.4) for the group. They were all residents of vulnerable neighbourhoods of Marseille (France). They were evaluated at inclusion and 3 months after the 6-weeks program with the following self-questionnaires: Adolescent Binge Eating Disorder scale (ADO-BEDS), Hospital Anxiety Depression (HAD), 6-item Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS-6), Self-esteem Measurement Scale for Adolescent (EMESA). Results So far, only 3 patients were evaluated pre- and post-management. For two patients with ADO-BEDS scores at inclusion and post-management showing the presence of a BED, the KADS-6 and EMESA (general and physical appearance items) scores improved at 3 months. The remaining patient, without any depression signs at both inclusion and after 3 months, experienced a decreased self-esteem while a BED, not assessed at inclusion, was clearly revealed at 3 months. BMI did not change from pre- to post-management. Conclusions Our clinical impression is that participating to the management program failed, at least for our first patients, to make them engage in a psychiatric/psychological therapy. Nevertheless, the program contributed to provide a motivating support system allowing them and their parents to become involved in their care. Key messages A multidisciplinary management program could potentially have a beneficial impact on depression and self-esteem in obese young adolescents presenting with a binge-eating disorder. The management program seemed to provide a motivating support system allowing obese young adolescents living in vulnerable neighbourhoods, and their parents, to become involved in their care.