Cephalic phase insulin release in bulimia

Cephalic phase secretions are associated with the sight, smell, and taste of food, as opposed to its postingestional consequences. These secretions are thought to influence metabolism and eating behavior. Cephalic phase insulin release (CPIR), in particular, might be related to hunger and overeating. It was hypothesized that bulimics, who often show endocrine abnormalities, may have an altered CPIR that, in turn, might be related to the precipitation and maintenance of binges. This study investigated whether (1) the profile or magnitude of the CPIR in bulimics differs from that of non‐eating disordered controls, (2) food ingestion alters subsequent CPIR, and (3) mood and desire to binge are related to CPIR. Findings indicated little abnormality in bulimics' profile of insulin secretion. Although biological variables were not related to hunger or desire to binge, for bulimics, dysphoric moods were. The results may suggest more complex determinants of binge eating than physiological state alone. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.