Can Protein Supplements Reduce Binge Eating?

In patients with bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder (currently categorized by the DSM-IV as "eating disorder not otherwise specified"), known triggers for eating binges include hunger and negative emotional states such as tension and frustration. To test the effect of high-protein foods, which are stronger stimulants than carbohydrates of the endogenous satietin cholecystokinin and the proposed satietin glucagon, these researchers conducted a controlled, crossover trial in 18 patients with bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder. The patients received thrice-daily liquid supplements of a high-protein or a high-carbohydrate mix (840 kcal/day). Each regimen lasted 2 weeks, with a 1-week washout period separating them.

When participants …