Anxiety and Negative Body Image are Associated with Binge Eating in Patients Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery a Minimum of 2 Years

PurposeBariatric surgery is an effective method for the treatment of severe obesity, however, binge eating disorder (BED) and negative body image can interfere with post-surgical evolution.ObjectiveTo describe the factors associated with BED in bariatric patients with a minimum of 2 years post-surgery.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional observational study conducted with patients who underwent bariatric surgery through the Unified Health System (Sistema unico de Saude [SUS]) and presenting a minimum of 2 years post-surgery. BED, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, quality of life and body image concerns were assessed by the Binge Eating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System, and Body Shape Questionnaire, respectively. Socioeconomic and anthropometric data were also collected.ResultsBased on the ninety-two (92) patients evaluated, 83.7% were female, and had a mean age of 43.3 +/- 9 years. Symptoms of depression (p = 0.002), anxiety (p = 0.000), body image concerns (p = 0.000), poor quality of life (p = 0.010), and obesity (p = 0.008) were associated with the presence of BED. All the anthropometric variables were higher in patients with BED, except excess weight loss. Regression analysis predicted BED through the presence of body image concern and anxiety symptoms.ConclusionAnxiety symptoms and body image concerns are associated with BED in patients who underwent bariatric surgery a minimum of 2 years.