A comparison of binge-purgers, obese binge eaters, and obese nonbinge eaters on the MMPI

This study compared the (MMPI) score distributions obtained by binge-purgers (n = 34), obese binge eaters (n = 34), and obese nonbingers (n = 34) of similar age. Significant differences emerged among the three groups on all MMPI scales except Masculinity-feminity (Mf) and Mania (Ma), and there was a consistent trend on the clinical scales for binge-purgers to obtain the highest scores and obese nonbingers the lowest. Obese binge eaters were statistically different from obese nonbingers on 10 of 13 scales and from binge-purgers on 4 of 13 scales. The results suggest that these groups represent three distinct populations, with obese nonbingers exhibiting the least psychological disturbance and binge-purgers exhibiting the most. These findings help to explain the consistent trend for obese binge eaters to do poorly in traditional weight loss programs and suggest that this subgroup of the obese might benefit from treatment programs more similar to those usually targeted at binge-purgers