NewsNet5.comHealth
EducationEmploymentAutoHealthHealth ExpertsHouse And HomeWEDDINGSHomeTown ExpertsLegalCleveland247Real EstateDatingTravelFamily


E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Medications May Help Take Control Of Binge-Eating

Currently No Drugs Are Approved For Binge-Eating

UPDATED: 4:21 p.m. EDT September 29, 2003

Binge-eating is a condition where a person eats uncontrollably. It affects up to 4 percent of all Americans.

Binge-eaters binge -- on average -- at least two days per week for at least six months. There are no federally approved treatments for binge-eating, but now one drug helps binge-eaters limit uncontrolled eating.

Emily Wollman has been dieting most of her life, but avoiding food often did more harm than good.

"I would go and get anything that I had been deprived of," Wollman said. She would eat up to three pints of ice cream and a half box of cookies during a binge. She said it deflected issues she didn't want to deal with.

"Food becomes like the Band-Aid you put on your emotional wounds," she said.

Dr. Nathan Shapira, a psychiatrist at the University of Florida in Gainesville, said binge-eating is a common outlet for emotions. Now he's trying to stop the binging with the anticonvulsant drug topiramate or topamax.

"One of the mechanisms of this compound may have a direct effect on, say, the satiety center or the appetite disregulation," Shapira said.

Earlier studies in epilepsy patients show the drug lessened appetites.

"About 80 percent of them had completely stopped binge-eating on topiramate, versus about a quarter on placebo. People would typically go from binge-eating five times a week, down to one or less a week," Shapira said.

For some, that was a surprise.

"They described that they used to be able to eat a Big Mac and fries, and now all they could eat was a Happy Meal, and it was very disturbing to them," Shapira said.

For Wollman, coming to peace with herself and her body helped defeat her binging.

"I've gotten to the point where I can even -- when I'm really connected to myself -- like, cook a bowl full of spaghetti and, to the strand, know how much to put on the plate," she said.

But for those who need an extra push, help is on the way.

About 20 sites across the country are beginning trials to further test topiramate for binge-eating disorders that are associated with obesity. Researchers are hoping to enroll 360 patients. Topiramate is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for epilepsy.

If you would like more information, please contact:
    Nikki Ricciuti, R.N., LMHC
    University of Florida
    Gainesville, FL
    (352) 265-0162



Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More Details

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More Details

Eating breakfast is good for you, but eating a healthy breakfast is even better. Get the scoop on which breakfast foods are the most nutritious. More Details

If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More Details

Get Healthy!

10 expert tips to promote a healthier heart. Learn why the “full-fat” version of food is often better than the “low-fat” version. More Details

Revolution Health

Sponsored Links

Caregiving

How To Talk About Incontinence
Caring.com
How To Talk About Incontinence, Including Who Should Do The Talking, When To Have The Conversation, And How To Avoid Emotional Land Mines. More Details



Caring.com

Sponsor

E-Mail News

Get E-Mail News Headlines When YOU Want Them
 Health Headlines

Find Local Businesses