Introduction: We compared the binge eating pathway linking body image dissatisfaction (BID) and psychological distress of obese adults entering and not entering psychological treatment for their weight problems.
Method: 90 obese participants seeking an integrated treatment (OB-IT) and 87 obese participants seeking only medical treatment (OB-MT) for their weight problems completed questionnaires on BID, binge eating and psychological well-being.
Results: Only in the OB-IT group, binge eating behaviors mediated the relationship between BID and psychological distress.
Conclusions: Both BID and binge eating behaviors need to be addressed in the psychological and medical treatment for obesity to enhance psychological well-being.
Keywords: Binge eating; Body image dissatisfaction; Depression; Obesity; Quality of life; Self-esteem.
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