The drug, set to be marketed under the brand name Vyvanse, promises to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder

Feb 3, 2015 09:59 GMT  ·  By

Let's face it, it's no breaking news that obesity rates are steadily increasing on a global scale. At the end of 2013 there were a whopping 2.1 billion overweight and obese people in the world, and one can only assume that, over the past couple of years, this figure has increased to a considerable extent.

The US is one of the countries currently dealing with worryingly high obesity rates. In fact, in a recent report, it is estimated that over 30% of the adults living in this corner of the world qualify as obese.

In some cases, obesity correlates with a medical condition known as binge eating disorder. As explained by specialists, binge eating is classified as an eating disorder and boils down to the fact that, quite often, individuals eat much more than they should and is healthy for them.

However, unlike bulimia sufferers, guys and gals struggling with this so-called binge eating disorder do not try to get rid of all the extra calories via purging once they are done with their oversized meals.

How binge eating disorder correlates with obesity

Researchers estimate that, of the people struggling with obesity, some 30% tend to binge eat on a regular basis. However, just 7-10% can actually be diagnosed with binge eating disorder.

In the case of these people, their unhealthy relationship with food makes them less likely to benefit from weight-loss programs or even bariatric surgery. Simply put, folks who have binge eating disorder have an especially tough time losing weight.

“It is important to consider treating BED [binge eating disorder] in the context of other treatments specifically targeting obesity,” says specialist Susan L. McElroy.

New drug promises to do away with this condition

Not long ago, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug that is set to be marketed under the brand name Vyvanse and that promises to treat severe to moderate binge eating disorder in adults.

This prescription drug is the first of its kind to have until now gained FDA approval in the US and specialists warn that, contrary to what some might assume, it is not meant to replace weight-loss programs or obesity treatments.

On the contrary, the drug, whose scientific name is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is merely intended to make it easier for obese individuals who also suffer from binge eating disorder to stick to their diet and get back in shape.

“Vyvanse is approved for treating BED, but it is not approved for weight-loss or obesity treatment and should not be considered a replacement for this treatment,” explains Susan L. McElroy.

Furthermore, “for the subset of people with obesity who also have binge eating disorder the availability of this new, safe and effective tool to treat BED may provide some long-awaited support.”