How Cinnamon Supplements Impact Binge Eating Disorder: A Controlled Study

Jim Crocker
8th August, 2024

How Cinnamon Supplements Impact Binge Eating Disorder: A Controlled Study

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Iran University of Medical Sciences investigated the effects of cinnamon on patients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
  • Participants who consumed cinnamon showed significant weight reduction
  • Cinnamon did not significantly impact the psychological aspects of BED or overall BMI
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a significant eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food, often leading to complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. One of the main physiological factors contributing to BED is insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. A recent study conducted by the Iran University of Medical Sciences aimed to investigate the effects of cinnamon on BED patients[1]. Cinnamon has been known for its positive effects on insulin sensitivity, and this study sought to determine if it could be beneficial for individuals with BED. The study involved 40 participants diagnosed with BED, all with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 39.9 kg/m^2. The participants were divided into two groups: one group consumed 6 grams of cinnamon per day, while the other group consumed 6 grams of white wheat as a placebo. Researchers measured weight, height, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and Binge Eating Scale (BES) scores before and after the study. The results showed no significant differences in baseline characteristics such as gender, height, weight, BMI, education, and marital status between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no significant changes in BSQ, BES, weight, and height after the study. Although the weight of the patients in the cinnamon group decreased significantly, there was no significant difference in weight, BMI, and BSQ and BES indices between the two groups at the end of the study. These findings suggest that while cinnamon may have some effect on weight reduction, it does not significantly impact the psychological aspects of BED or overall BMI. This contrasts with previous studies that have explored various treatments for BED. For instance, therapist-led cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), lisdexamfetamine, and second-generation antidepressants (SGAs) have been shown to decrease binge-eating frequency and increase binge-eating abstinence[2]. Additionally, these treatments have been effective in reducing binge-eating-related obsessions and compulsions, with SGAs also reducing symptoms of depression[2]. Furthermore, research has indicated that BED is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity, whereas anorexia nervosa is linked to increased insulin sensitivity[3]. The hormones insulin, leptin, and ghrelin play crucial roles in regulating energy homeostasis and food reward behaviors within the central nervous system (CNS). Insulin and leptin can decrease food reward behaviors, while ghrelin can increase them, supporting midbrain dopamine neuronal function[4]. This suggests that insulin resistance in BED patients might be a contributing factor to their eating behaviors. In conclusion, the study conducted by the Iran University of Medical Sciences provides valuable insights into the effects of cinnamon on BED patients. While cinnamon may aid in weight reduction, it does not significantly impact the psychological aspects of BED or overall BMI. This highlights the complexity of BED and the need for multifaceted treatment approaches, including psychological and pharmacological therapies, to effectively address the disorder. Further research is necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms of BED and develop more targeted interventions.

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References

Main Study

1) The effect of cinnamon supplementation on eating disorder indices among people suffering from binge eating disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

Published 7th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-024-00916-z

Related Studies

2) Binge-Eating Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

https://doi.org/10.7326/M15-2455

3) The metabolic underpinning of eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of insulin sensitivity.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2018.10.005

4) Energy regulatory signals and food reward.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2010.03.002


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