Executive functions in binge eating: Preliminary data

The executive functions (EF) are mental processes by which deliberately resolve internal and external problems. According previous studies, the deficits plays an important role in the development and maintenance of binge eating disorder (BED).The aim of this study was to compare the executive functions of obese Portuguese individuals with/without BED, with normal weight individuals. Method: In this study participated 114 adults (38 obese individuals with BED (OB), 38 obese individuals without BED (O) and 38 normal weight individuals (N). All individuals were assessed using the following instruments: FAB; Action fluency, CTT, Stroop and WCST. Results: Obesity is related with general income frontal, planning and sequencing, capacity of inhibitory control, ability to solve problems, cognitive flexibility and verbal fluency; when compared to the control group, obese with binge eating were the ones that presented more difficulties in conceptualization and abstraction and response maintenance; obese with binge eating in comparison to non-binge eaters obese presented more difficulties related to response maintenance and verbal fluency. These results suggest the training of EF can represent an important dimension to consider in the prevention and treatment of obesity.