Is the binge-eating disorder a circadian disorder?

Abstract

Binge-eating disorder (BED), characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviors, has been studied in association with mood, anxiety, and metabolic disorders, including obesity. In addition, BED has been linked to sleep problems; however, the literature fails to explore the link between BED and the circadian system, which governs biological rhythms synchronizing our physiology to the environment. We have analyzed the BED bibliography with regards to circadian markers, sleep disorders, and chronotypes, and found that this is generally overlooked in the field. In this sense, this perspective article advocates for a chronobiological approach, such as chrono-nutrition, to BED study and characterization.