What is known about sexuality and eating disorders
binge eating, binge eating episodes, lower sexual desire, anxiety
SECONDARY
Compared to the general population, women with an ED are distinguished by poorer sexual function, and greater sexual anxiety, dissatisfaction and avoidance [Two tendencies related to sexuality emerge from studies involving women with an ED: disinvestment and disinhibition. The disinvestment of sexuality is manifested in fewer sexual fantasies and lower sexual desire and satisfaction [Disinhibition is expressed through sexual precociousness, promiscuity and risk-taking [It is not possible, based on the available data, to determine if either or both tendencies related to sexuality observed in individuals with AN and BN, apply to binge eating in general. A greater frequency of binge eating episodes has been found to be associated with poorer sexual function, fewer orgasms, and more sexual dissatisfaction [It is surprising that sexuality has not been explored as a potential lever in treatment change [Going beyond pathological aspects of sexuality to fill the knowledge gap regarding the sexuality of women with binge eating episodes, the main objective of the present study is to explore the sexual self-concept, functioning, and practices (also referred to as “sexual dispositions”) of women with binge eating episodes. The secondary objective is to verify the presence of distinct profiles of sexual dispositions and compare these profiles in terms of sexual experiences and practices, binge eating severity and BMI.