Cognitive Therapy Shows Promise for Binge Eating in Women Over 60

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio completed a groundbreaking pilot study examining cognitive behavioral therapy specifically designed for older women with binge eating disorder. The BESTOW (Binge Eating Syndrome Treatment for Older Women) trial addressed a significant gap in eating disorder research, which has historically focused on younger populations.

The single-arm implementation trial enrolled 20 women aged 60 and older who received an age-tailored cognitive behavioral intervention. Unlike standard eating disorder treatments, BESTOW was specifically modified to address the unique psychological, social, and physiological factors affecting older adults, including health changes, medication effects, social isolation, and life transitions common in later decades.

Participants underwent comprehensive assessments at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at two follow-up periods to measure treatment effectiveness. Weekly binge eating frequency was tracked throughout the intervention period, providing detailed data on behavioral changes and treatment response patterns.

The study ran from February to November 2023, representing nearly ten months of data collection and follow-up. While specific results haven't been published, the successful completion of this pilot study establishes important groundwork for understanding how eating disorders manifest and can be treated in older populations.

For longevity and healthy aging, addressing binge eating in older adults is crucial as it can exacerbate age-related health conditions, interfere with proper nutrition, and negatively impact mental health and quality of life during critical later years.