Measurement of Disordered Eating Following Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review of the Literature

Disordered eating is elevated in bariatric surgery patients and is a risk factor for poor surgical outcomes. A systematic review evaluated the definitions and measurement methods used to identify and assess disordered eating in patients following bariatric surgery. One hundred articles were identified featuring 35 questionnaires and 23 interviews. There were numerous variations to diagnostic criteria and amendments to measures to account for the post-surgical eating context. Only 20 % of questionnaires and 4 % of interviews had reported psychometric evaluation in post-surgery samples. Results highlight the need for a consistent definition of disordered eating and for current assessment measures to be (a) adapted to account for the altered gastrointestinal system in patients following surgery and (b) psychometrically evaluated in bariatric surgery patients.