Neural correlates of overvaluation of shape and weight in binge eating disorder

Contact person: Gregor Domes
In cooperation with the University of Tübingen, Jenifer Svaldi

The undue influence of shape and weight on self-evaluation and the corresponding body dissatisfaction are a core feature of binge eating disorder (BED) and a predictor of poor treatment outcome. Empirical evidence suggests that schema-driven processes seem to maintain overvaluation of shape and weight in BED. However, the underlying functional neuroanatomy of overvaluation of shape and weight and the corresponding body dissatisfaction in BED is yet to be understood. In fact, no study directly tested whether overvaluation of shape and weight in BED is based on dysfunctional body-image-processing brain circuits. The characterization of these neural underpinnings might help to broaden our understanding of the etiology of BED, and in terms of a biomarker might further help to improve the diagnostic differentiation between disorders of the same cluster or between subgroups within the same disorder.

• Press, S. A., Biehl, S. C., Domes, G., & Svaldi, J. (2022). Increased insula and amygdala activity during selective attention for negatively valenced body parts in binge eating disorder. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000788
• Press, S. A., Biehl, S. C., Vatheuer, C. C., Domes, G., & Svaldi, J. (2022). Neural correlates of body image processing in binge eating disorder. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, 131(4), 350–364. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000750