Obesity is an escalating health issue and a recognized risk factor for binge eating disorder (BED). BED is characterized by episodes of overeating accompanied by a perceived loss of control, which frequently results in psychological distress. In certain cases, pharmacological interventions may be suggested to manage depressive symptoms and facilitate weight loss. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog, acts by targeting the brain's reward system to alleviate psychological stress and promote satiety. Despite its potential benefits, there exists a gap in research regarding the application of liraglutide for individuals suffering from both obesity and BED. This qualitative study aimed to examine how patients with these coexisting conditions experience treatment with liraglutide. A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing individual semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Eight participants aged 25 to 60 years were recruited for the study, and the collected data were analyzed using systematic text condensation. Two primary themes emerged from the analysis, each accompanied by three subthemes. The first major theme identified was: The role of food in the manifestation of BED, with subthemes including: Food as an emotional regulator, Persistent preoccupations with eating and dieting, and Emotional and situational triggers for binge eating. The second major theme was: Experiences with liraglutide in managing BED, which included subthemes such as: Addressing emotional and physical needs, Mitigating thoughts about food, and Reducing triggers for eating. Furthermore, the informants reported that their experiences with liraglutide (main theme 2) influenced the expression of BED (main theme 1), indicating that liraglutide had a significant impact on their BED symptoms. The findings suggest that patients with obesity and BED perceived liraglutide as beneficial in fulfilling their emotional and physical needs, thereby enhancing emotional well-being, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Additional qualitative research is warranted to investigate the long-term effects of liraglutide on emotional and behavioral changes within this demographic. [NPID: Binge eating, BED, emotional well-being, QOL, behavior, GLP-1]
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