Pharmacotherapy
GLP‑1-based therapies show promise in binge eating disorder
Clinical takeaway: In patients with binge eating disorder (BED) and comorbid obesity or type 2 diabetes, GLP‑1 receptor agonists may offer a dual benefit—reducing binge frequency while improving metabolic outcomes—though evidence remains preliminary.
Binge eating disorder is a prevalent psychiatric condition linked to significant psychological distress and cardiometabolic risk. Although psychotherapy remains first‑line, pharmacologic options are limited by modest efficacy, tolerability concerns, and poor durability—driving interest in therapies that also target appetite regulation.
In a systematic review published in Pharmacotherapy, investigators evaluated the evidence for incretin‑based therapies—specifically GLP‑1 receptor agonists and dual GLP‑1/GIP agonists—for the treatment of binge eating. Following PRISMA guidelines, the authors screened 1,125 records, with 12 studies meeting inclusion criteria.
Across generally small studies (most with fewer than 75 participants), use of liraglutide, semaglutide, or dulaglutide was associated with consistent improvements in binge eating outcomes, including reductions in binge frequency, improved Binge Eating Scale scores, and remission in some cohorts. Weight loss ranged from approximately –3 to –24 kg, with concurrent reductions in BMI and improvements in glycemic control among patients with diabetes.
Adverse effects were primarily gastrointestinal, and no new psychiatric safety signals were identified.
Overall, the reviewed studies suggest a consistent signal that GLP‑1 receptor agonists may reduce binge eating behaviors, while also offering metabolic benefits. While the evidence base is still evolving and larger randomized trials would help strengthen conclusions, current findings support continued clinical and research interest in GLP‑1–based therapies for binge eating disorder.
Source: White RT, et al. (2026, April 8). Pharmacotherapy. Incretin‑Based Therapies for the Treatment of Binge Eating—A Systematic Review