OBJECTIVE To describe some biological, behavioural and psychological correlates of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and to determine the relationship between dietary restraint, binge eating, and leptin among obese women seeking treatment. METHODS Consecutive series of obese women enrolled in a clinical program for weight reduction treatment. METHODS Forty-two obese women. Eight participants met the criteria for 'severe binge eating' as measured by the Binge Eating Scale. METHODS Energy intake, resting energy expenditure, body composition, leptin, restraint, disinhibition, hunger and binge eating were assessed before starting the treatment. RESULTS In this sample both higher disinhibition and hunger scores were associated with greater binge eating severity. Obese women with severe binge eating had lower restraint, higher disinhibition and hunger scores, as well as higher daily fat intake, when compared with obese non-binge-eaters. Interestingly, restraint scores were negatively associated with leptin levels among subjects with severe binge eating. CONCLUSIONS In obese women with severe binge eating, the negative relationship between dietary restraint and serum leptin concentrations seems mediated by a greater fat intake. These findings need to be verified in further human studies.