Comparative Analysis of Eastern and Western Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder and Their Effects on Insulin Resistance

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a prevalent and complex eating disorder that is often linked to metabolic disturbances, including insulin resistance. This review compares Eastern and Western treatment strategies for BED and their impacts on insulin resistance. Western interventions prioritize rapid symptom control, including psychological therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), alongside pharmacological treatment such as lisdexamfetamine, fluoxetine, and topiramate, which effectively reduce binge episodes, alleviate psychological distress, and yield short-term improvements in blood glucose and weight. In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) adopts a holistic approach, utilizing acupuncture (targeting Liver, Spleen, and Stomach meridians), herbal therapies, and constitution-based dietary regulation to address root imbalances like Liver Qi stagnation and Spleen Qi deficiency, excelling in long-term metabolic homeostasis by enhancing insulin sensitivity, improving lipid metabolism, and reducing chronic inflammation. Therefore, integrating both approaches may optimize care, combining immediate symptom relief with sustained metabolic health.