PURPOSE: Binge eating disorder (BED) is a psychological disorder that poses several functional consequences for those affected. Management of BED centers around psychological and pharmacological treatment modalities, which have been associated with variable efficacy and the potential for severe adverse effects. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), approved by the Food and Drug Administration for conditions such as diabetes and weight management, are an emerging therapy of interest in BED.
SUMMARY: In this case report, we describe use of dulaglutide for treatment of a patient with BED, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patient's baseline binge eating scale (BES) score, glycated hemoglobin level, body mass index (BMI), and weight were obtained. Following these baseline assessments, dulaglutide 0.75 mg once weekly was initiated to optimize management of the patient's type 2 diabetes. Follow-up measurements were obtained 6 weeks after initiation, at which time reductions in the patient's BES score, BMI, weight, and BED symptoms were observed. Moreover, dulaglutide was well tolerated without adverse drug events.
CONCLUSION: This case report describes the use of dulaglutide in the management of mild BED in the setting of comorbid type 2 diabetes and obesity. Further research is necessary to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs in the management of BED and to determine the optimal duration and dose.
