Influence of depressive and eating disorders on short- and long-term course of weight after surgical and nonsurgical weight loss treatment

Preoperative comorbidities as a predictor of EBWL after bariatric surgery: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of preoperative comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, and the type of surgery on %EBWL (percent estimated body weight loss) in patients 1 year after bariatric surgery. Patients who choose to undergo bariatric surgery often have other comorbidities that can affect both the outcomes of their procedures and the postoperative period. We predict that patients who have depression, anxiety, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, or hypothyroidism will have a smaller change in %EBWL when compared to patients without any of these comorbidities.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Data points were retrospectively collected from the charts of 440 patients from March 2012-December 2019 who underwent a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery. Data collected included patient demographics, select comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, depression, and anxiety, and body weight at baseline and 1 year postoperatively. Ideal body weight was calculated using the formula 50 + (2.3 × height in inches over 5 feet) for males and 45.5 + (2.3 × height in inches over 5 feet) for females. Excess body weight was then calculated by subtracting ideal body weight from actual weight at the above forementioned time points. Finally, %EBWL was calculated using the formula (change in weight over 1 year/excess weight) × 100.

RESULTS

Patients who had a higher baseline BMI (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.026), hypothyroidism (p = 0.046), and who had a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy rather than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (p < 0.001) had a smaller %EBWL in the first year after bariatric surgery as compared to patients without these comorbidities at the time of surgery. Controversially, patients with anxiety or depression (p = 0.73) or obstructive sleep apnea (p = 0.075) did not have a statistically significant difference in %EBWL.

CONCLUSION

A higher baseline BMI, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may lead to lower %EBWL in the postoperative period after bariatric surgery. At the same time, patients' mental health status and sleep apnea status were not related to %EBWL. This study provides new insight into which comorbidities may need tighter control in order to optimize weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery.

Eating disorders and emotional dysregulation are associated with insufficient weight loss after bariatric surgery: a 1-year observational follow-up study

PURPOSE

Subjects with obesity, especially those seeking bariatric surgery, exhibit high rates of mental disorders and marked psychopathological traits. The primary objective of this prospective, non-interventional study was to investigate whether the presence of different psychiatric disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology and emotional dysregulation influenced weight loss at 1-year follow-up after surgery.

METHODS

Subjects consecutively referred for pre-surgical evaluation at the Obesity Center of Pisa University Hospital were recruited. Psychiatric diagnoses were made through the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and ADHD symptomatology was assessed with the Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (WRAADDS). Emotional dysregulation was investigated through the WRAADDS and self-report questionnaires. After surgery, weight and obesity-related comorbidities were monitored during follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 99 participants recruited, 76 underwent surgery and 65 could be reevaluated 1 year after surgery. Subjects with insufficient weight loss (excess body mass index loss ≤ 53%, n = 15) had more frequent lifetime binge eating disorder (BED) and BED-mood disorders comorbidity than subjects with favorable post-surgical outcome. Additionally, they scored higher on both physician-administered and self-report scales assessing emotional dysregulation, which represents a nuclear symptom of ADHD in adults. At the logistic regression analysis, older age, higher preoperative excess body mass index and greater affective instability were predictors of reduced weight loss at 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Emotional dysregulation seems to be associated with a worse outcome after bariatric surgery. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the influence of different psychiatric disorders and psychopathological traits on post-surgical outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V, prospective descriptive study.

Bariatric Surgery and Psychological Health: A Randomised Clinical Trial in Patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

This study investigated the impact of either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with silastic ring (SR-RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) types of bariatric surgery on psychological health and explored the role of pre-existing depressive symptoms on weight loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 114 participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive SR-RYGB or SG at a single centre. Data from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), RAND 36-item Health Survey and body weight were collected before surgery and annually for 5 years.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were lost to follow-up at 5 years. Of the 98 patients who completed 5-year psychological follow-up assessments, 13 had mild to severe depressive symptoms (SR-RYGB n = 6, SG n = 7). SR-RYGB and SG resulted in similar psychological health improvement but percent weight loss at 5 years was greater for SR-RYGB by 10.6% (95% CI: 7.2 to 14.0, P < 0.0001). Scores for depressive symptoms and most RAND-36 domains improved significantly from baseline to 5 years in both groups. Patients with pre-existing depressive symptoms had similar percent weight loss at 5 years compared to patients without depressive symptoms, irrespective of procedural type.

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving either SR-RYGB or SG had comparable psychosocial functioning, which was maintained to 5 years post-surgery. Pre-existing depressive symptoms did not affect weight loss achieved at 5 years. These findings confirm previous longitudinal studies demonstrating that bariatric surgery is generally associated with improved psychosocial functioning.

The role of body image in obese identity changes post bariatric surgery

PURPOSE

Body image is a multidimensional construct that encompasses perceptions about body size, emotions, and cognition about physical appearance. Obese identity is related to body image in the lifetime, and according to scientific literature body image dissatisfaction among obese patient persist after bariatric surgery. The objective of this review is to examine the body image changes in patients with obesity pre-and post-bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We have carried out a systematic review of literature on PubMed. Initially, 169 publications have been identified, but in total, in compliance with inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies have been analyzed.

RESULTS

According to the examined literature, body image does not change after bariatric surgery. These patients will be difficult to adapt for a new body, because there is a persistent obese view of self. Furthermore, ex-obese patients are dissatisfied with the excessive skin after bariatric surgery. Excessive body weight, and negative self-image are replaced with dissatisfaction with excessive skin, and the factors associated with body image stability are still unknown.

CONCLUSION

Literature examination raises the issue of body image dissatisfaction, but does not explain why it varies so widely across bariatric patients. Obese identity is related to body image across the lifetime and is an important factor of post-surgical outcomes. Longitudinal studies based on ideal body image pre- and post- bariatric surgery and evidence-based controlled studies on psychotherapeutic treatment for body image dissatisfaction are strongly recommended. Psychotherapy could improve body image quality and wellbeing.

LEVEL I

Evidence obtained from: systematic reviews of experimental studies.

Preoperative psychological characteristics affecting mid-term outcome after bariatric surgery: a follow-up study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between preoperative psychological factors and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) to identify possible psychological therapy targets to improve the outcome of bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients completed the Hamilton's Anxiety and Depression Scales (HAM-A, HAM-D) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) the day before surgery (T0). The pre-operative body weight and the %TWL at 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 24-30 (T3) months were collected.

RESULTS

At T3, depressed and alexithymic patients showed a lower %TWL compared to non-depressed patients (p = 0.03) and to non-alexithymic patients (p = 0.02), respectively. Finally, patients who had at least one of the three analyzed psychological factors showed less weight loss, at T2 (p = 0.02) and T3 (p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological factors may also affect long-term outcome of bariatric surgery. This study shows an association between alexithymia/depression pre-operative levels and the weight loss at 30 months'follow-up after bariatric surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, longitudinal cohort study.

Assessment of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and eating psychopathology after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: 1-year follow-up and comparison with healthy controls

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and eating psychopathology in bariatric surgery patients at the preoperative period (t0) and at the 6-month (t1) and 12-month (t2) follow-ups after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). A second aim was to investigate associations between these variables and weight loss.

METHOD

The study participants were 48 bariatric surgery candidates and 50 non-obese controls. Both groups underwent assessment with the Sociodemographic Data Form, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES). These assessments were repeated for the patient group at t1 and t2.

RESULTS

The HDRS, RSES, and EDE-Q scores were higher in the patients before LSG (t0) than in the control group. A significant progressive improvement was identified in the patient HDRS and RSES scores as well as EDE-Q weight and shape subscale scores at t1 and t2. However, the patient EDE-Q total and dietary restraint scores improved at t1 then stabilized. The patient EDE-Q eating concern subscale improved at t1, but then worsened. The patient HDRS scores at t2 were similar to the control group, but the EDE-Q and RSES scores were still higher than the control scores at t2. Regression analyses revealed no association between the preoperative scores and percent changes in postoperative scores for any scale and patient weight loss at t2.

CONCLUSION

Depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and eating psychopathology showed an improving trend in patients after LSG. However, some aspects of eating psychopathology worsened despite an initial improvement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, prospective cohort and case-control study.

Psychological predictors of poor weight loss following LSG: relevance of general psychopathology and impulsivity

PURPOSE

After bariatric surgery (BS) a significant minority of patients do not reach successful weight loss or tend to regain weight. In recent years, interest for the psychological factors that predict post-surgical weight loss has increased with the objective of developing interventions aimed to ameliorate post-surgical outcomes. In the present study, predictive models of successful or poor weight loss 12 months after BS were investigated considering pre-surgery level of psychopathological symptoms, dysfunctional eating behaviors and trait impulsivity at baseline (pre-surgery).

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients with morbid obesity canditates for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were assessed regarding metabolic and psychological dimensions. Successful post-surgery weight loss was defined as losing at least 50% of excess body weight (%EWL).

RESULTS

Logistic models adjusted for patient sex, age and presence of metabolic diseases showed that the baseline presence of intense psychopathological symptoms and low attentional impulsivity predict poor %EWL (< 50%), as assessed 12-month post-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings suggest that intensity of general psychopathology and impulsivity, among other psychological factors, might affect post-surgery %EWL. Conducting adequate psychological assessment at baseline of patients candidates for BS seems to be crucial to orient specific therapeutic interventions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control analytic study.

Preoperative Binge Eating and Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have investigated if bariatric surgery candidates with binge eating disorder (BED) are at risk for suboptimal postoperative weight loss. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between binge eating diagnosed preoperatively and weight loss after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, LILACS, and other specialized databases were searched on August 2020. Clinical trials and observational studies including individuals who had undergone any type of bariatric surgical treatment with preoperative evaluation of BED and at least one postoperative measure of weight were initially selected. Four reviewers independently screened for eligibility. The mean difference was calculated using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies, comprising 3223 participants (80.25% women; median age 41 years), met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. At 6 months postoperative, the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) was not significantly different between BED and non-BED groups [6 studies, 914 participants: - 0.75% (95% CI, - 2.79 to 1.29; I² = 0%)], even when analyzing only those three studies that included gold standard assessment tools. No significant differences were found at 12, 24, 36, or 60 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-bariatric BED seems to have little or no influence on weight loss after surgery. However, many questions remain unanswered because of the use of different measures across studies. The heterogeneity among studies emphasizes the importance of investigators using the same assessment measures.

Weight loss in adults following bariatric surgery, a systematic review of preoperative behavioural predictors

Bariatric surgery is effective in treating obesity in many cases, yet as many as 50% of patients may not achieve the desired weight reduction. Preoperative modifiable behavioural factors could help patient selection and intervention design to improve outcomes. Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and PsychINFO were searched to identify studies published between 1 January 2008 and 14 February 2019 reporting on preoperative modifiable behavioural factors associated with postoperative weight loss, with minimum 2 years follow-up. A total of 6888 articles were screened, 34 met the inclusion criteria. Maladaptive eating behaviours (MEB), preoperative weight loss (PWL), and tobacco use were reported 21, 18, and 3 times respectively. Physical activity and substance abuse were each reported once. Most articles on PWL (72.2%) and MEB (52.4%) reported no association. Positive associations were reported in 22.2% and 14.3% of articles for PWL and MEB respectively. Negative associations were reported in 5.6% and 33.3% of articles for PWL and MEB, respectively. Marked heterogeneity in outcome reporting hindered quantitative synthesis. The current paucity of evidence amenable to synthesis leads to ongoing uncertainty regarding the size and direction of association between PWL and MEB with outcomes following bariatric surgery. Long-term studies with common reporting of outcomes are needed.

The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Postoperative Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Outcomes

PURPOSE

Previous research demonstrates that exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is associated with development of obesity. The same mechanisms mediating this relationship could theoretically affect attempts to lose weight in adulthood. However, it is unclear whether or not exposure to ACEs impacts the effectiveness of bariatric surgery. The present study aimed to examine the association of exposure to ACEs to postoperative weight loss outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred ninety-eight patients undergoing bariatric surgery were evaluated for their exposure to ACEs, determined by a presurgical questionnaire and recorded as an ACEs score. Percent total weight loss (%TWL) was calculated to evaluate postoperative weight loss at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals postoperatively. One hundred forty-two participants were available for follow-up at the 6-month postoperative interval.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 167 women and 31 men with a mean age of 47.7. Twenty-five percent of participants experienced high exposure to ACEs, defined as experiencing ≥ 4 ACEs. The average %TWL at 6 months was 16.52%. Multilevel modeling found no significant relationship between ACEs score and %TWL at any of the postoperative time intervals, both before and after adjusting for age, sex, and race.

CONCLUSION

High exposure to ACEs was not associated with poorer weight loss outcomes, and participants with a large number of ACEs generally lost the anticipated amount of weight.

Psychological outcomes following surgical and endoscopic bariatric procedures: A systematic review

Obesity is a leading global epidemic. Bariatric surgery is the only treatment demonstrating substantial long-term weight loss and medical benefits. However, there is limited research on the psychological outcomes following surgery. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to systematically review depression, anxiety, and binge eating outcomes at different time points following bariatric surgery and identify whether bariatric surgery significantly reduces psychological symptoms over time. These outcomes were also examined among endoscopic bariatric procedures as a secondary aim. Forty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Findings suggested that most patients experience a short-term reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms from pre-surgery. Over time, however, these symptoms increase and may even return to pre-surgery levels. Furthermore, while binge eating was uncommon after surgery, other disordered eating patterns may emerge. Binge eating may also restart over time as the stomach enlarges again. Overall, the complex psychological difficulties faced by individuals with obesity continue after surgery and may contribute to longer-term weight recidivism. More comprehensive and standardised psychological assessment procedures, including clinical interviews and longer-term follow-up, may provide insight into the psychological mechanisms maintaining weight management issues, and may serve as a starting point for improving the long-term success of patients with obesity.

Adolescent Bariatric Surgery: Effects of Socioeconomic, Demographic, and Hospital Characteristics on Cost, Length of Stay, and Type of Procedure Performed

BACKGROUND

Despite the efficacy of bariatric surgery in adolescents and the increasing rates of adolescent obesity, the use of bariatric surgery remains low. Treatment cost and length of stay (LOS) could be influencing the utilization of bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We used the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) from 2006, 2009, and 2012. Adolescents with a primary diagnosis of obesity who underwent bariatric surgery were included. Multinomial logistic and linear regression modeling was used to determine the association of the predictor variables with type of procedure and treatment cost and LOS, respectively.

RESULTS

We identified 1799 adolescents who underwent bariatric surgery. The majority of the subjects were female (77%) and White (60%). The most commonly performed procedure was Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (56%). Race, region, hospital teaching status, and hospital ownership affected the type of procedure performed. Self-pay patients were less likely to undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) than sleeve gastrectomy (SG) when compared to patients with private insurance. Teaching hospitals were less likely to perform RYGB or AGB than SG when compared to non-teaching hospitals. Treatment cost was significantly affected by income, teaching hospital status, hospital size, and surgery type. LOS was affected by income quartile, region, and surgery type.

CONCLUSION

Socioeconomic and demographic factors as well as hospital characteristics affect not only the LOS and treatment cost, but also the type of bariatric surgery performed in adolescents. Identifying and understanding the factors influencing procedure choice, treatment cost, and LOS can improve care and healthcare resource utilization.

Body Image and Body Avoidance Nine Years After Bariatric Surgery and Conventional Weight Loss Treatment

Recently, there has been an increasing focus on body image dissatisfaction (BID), both as a motivational factor for seeking bariatric surgery and as a factor influencing weight loss outcome after surgery. Although associations have been reported between BID, emotional distress and successful weight loss, conclusions are limited due to methodological issues such as non-weight-specific assessment tools for body image and neglect of behavioral components (e.g. body avoidance, BA). The present study seeks to report on BID and BA 9 years after bariatric surgery using a cross-sectional data set from the 9-year follow-up assessment of the Essen-Bochum Obesity Treatment Study (EBOTS). In total, N = 291 participants of the original EBOTS sample were included in the present analyses (N = 78 bariatric surgery patients, SURG; N = 124 patients of a conventional treatment program, CONV; and N = 83 individuals with obesity not seeking treatment, OC). Current body image facets (BID and BA) were captured at the 9-year follow-up assessment via silhouette scales adapted for use in samples with obesity. Moreover, BID was assessed retrospectively to obtain baseline attitudes. Possible influences of eating disorder symptoms and depression/anxiety were controlled for and assessed via standardized self-report measures. The results imply an improvement in BID in the SURG group, but not in the CONV and OC groups. The level of BA in relation to clothing was significantly higher in the CONV group compared to both the SURG and OC group. Current BID as well as BA were positively associated with current body weight as well as depression, anxiety, and levels of disinhibited eating. A positive change from baseline to current levels of BID was associated with successful weight loss, independently of treatment. The findings emphasize the role of the different components of body image after surgery for mental health features, and suggest a robust relationship between BID and weight loss (success). Thus, it might be helpful to address BID in treatment. However, further research, particularly in the form of prospective studies, is necessary to determine the direction of influence.

Mental Illness Has a Negative Impact on Weight Loss in Bariatric Patients: a 4-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Mental health disorders are highly prevalent among bariatric surgery patients. Bariatric surgery induces weight loss with continuous health improvements. However, long-term follow-up data on weight loss and quality of life data of patients who have a mental illness after bariatric surgery are scarce, and it is not clear whether mental illness is associated with more pronounced weight regain. The aim was to investigate the impact of preoperative mental illness on the course of long-term weight changes after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Patients with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) between 2005 and 2013 with a follow-up of at least 3 years were included. The study population was divided into two groups: patients with mental illness (MI) and patients without (No-MI). Weight loss outcomes over time were compared using mixed models up to 4 years after surgery.

RESULTS

In total, 254 patients (RYGB 61.0%, SG 39%) were included. The distribution of baseline characteristics was similar between the MI (n = 108) and No-MI groups (n = 146). The most prevalent mental illness was depressive disorder (63.9%). In the MI group, the percent of total weight loss (%TWL) was significantly smaller over the study period. After 36 months, the predicted mean group-difference of %TWL was 4.6% (95% CI 1.9, 7.2; p = 0.001), and the predicted odds ratio for weight regain was 4.9 (95% CI 1.6, 15.1) for patients in the MI group.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative mental illness leads to lower long-term weight loss and an increased risk of weight regain after bariatric surgery.

Psychosomatic and Psychosocial Questions Regarding Bariatric Surgery: What Do We Know, or What Do We Think We Know?

SUBJECT

In view of the epidemic increase in severe obesity and the ineffectiveness of conservative weight-loss interventions, bariatric surgery delivers compelling results for patients with class II (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) and class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²), not only in reducing weight over the long term, but also in reducing obesity-related somatic comorbidity and improving psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Investigations into the psychosocial aspects of obesity surgery have proliferated over the last 15 years, providing a huge amount of essential research data. Yet the results are partly contradictory and highly dependent on the duration of follow-up.

METHODS

Based of a narrative review, this article provides an overview of the current status and recent developments of the reciprocal effects between bariatric surgery and psychosocial functioning. The review focused on eight domains representing important psychosomatic and psychosocial aspects of bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

Especially in cases of class II and III obesity, bariatric surgery is the only means to reduce bodyweight significantly and permanently, though they carry with them the associated risk factors of metabolic, cardiovascular, and oncological diseases.With regard to psychosocial and psychosomatic aspects, studies with a short-term catamnesis (approx. 3 years) speak in favor of an improvement in the quality of life including mental disorders. If we consider studies with longer follow-ups, however, the results are not as uniform. In particular, we observe an increase in harmful alcohol consumption, self-harm behavior, and suicide risk.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of mental well-being and thus also quality of life, bariatric surgery would appear to convey an elevated risk for a minority of patients.Yet identifying these patients before surgery has so far been insufficient.

Psychological and Behavioral Aspects of Primary and Reoperative Surgery: a 6-Month Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Problematic eating behaviors and general psychopathology have been associated with poor weight loss after bariatric surgery. However, little is known about how these aspects impact weight loss outcomes for the increasing number of patients undergoing reoperative surgeries. This study compares disordered eating and weight-related outcomes before and 6 months after surgery in patients undergoing primary (P-Group) and reoperative bariatric surgery (R-Group).

METHODS

This longitudinal study assessed 122 P-Group and 116 R-Group patients before and 6 months after surgery. The assessment included the eating disorder examination diagnostic items, and a set of self-report measures assessing eating disorder symptomatology, grazing, depression, anxiety, and negative urgency.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, no differences were found between the R- and P-Groups in terms of disordered eating-related variables (except for shape concern, which was higher for the R-Group). At 6 months after surgery, the R-Group revealed significantly higher values for restraint (F(1,219) = 5.84, p = 0.016), shape (F(1,219) = 5.59, p = 0.019), weight concerns (F(1,219) = 13.36, p = 0.000), depression (F(1,219) = 7.17, p = 0.008), anxiety (F(1,219) = 6.94, p = - 0.009), and compulsive grazing (F(1,219) = 6.13, p = 0.014). No significant pre- or post-surgery predictors of weight loss were found for the P-Group (χ2 = 0.70, p = 0.872). In the R-Group, post-surgery anxiety (Waldχ²(1) = 6.19, p = 0.01) and the post-surgery number of days with grazing in the previous month (Waldχ²(1) = 3.90, p = 0.04) were significant predictors of weight loss.

CONCLUSION

At 6 months after surgery, the R-Group presented more problematic eating and general psychological distress, which may put these patients at greater risk of poorer long-term weight outcomes.

The Impact of Self-Reported Impulsivity on the Course of Weight Is Mediated by Disinhibited Eating

This study investigates the impact of impulsivity and the mediating role of disinhibited eating behaviour (DEB) on weight and weight trajectories in a large data set including obese non-treatment seeking individuals (obese control, n = 138) and obese individuals who were either receiving a conventional treatment program (n = 227) or bariatric surgery (n = 123). Data was assessed one, 4 and 9 years after baseline including self-reports for impulsivity and DEB. Results suggest a significant association between impulsivity and body mass index, which is partially mediated by DEB. Longitudinally, the influence of impulsivity on the course of weight after 9 years was fully mediated by DEB in obese control but not in the treatment groups. The results indicate an interplay between impulsivity and DEB with respect to obesity. Further research is needed to clarify how the mediation works and when it exerts its effect, in order to identify those that might profit from a specific (impulsivity-reducing) training. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

The influence of preoperative psychological factors on weight loss after bariatric surgery: A preliminary report

Aim of this study was to investigate relationship between preoperative psychological factors and % total weight loss after gastric bypass. 76 adult patients scheduled for bariatric surgery were preoperatively asked to complete anxiety and depression Hamilton scales and Toronto Alexithymia Scale. At 3- and 6-month follow-up, body weight was assessed. At 6-month follow-up, alexithymic patients showed a poorer % total weight loss compared with non-alexithymic patients ( p = .017), and moderately depressed patients showed a lower % total weight loss compared with non-depressed patients ( p = .011). Focused pre- and postoperative psychological support could be useful in bariatric patients in order to improve surgical outcome.

Adherence to Psychiatric Follow-up Predicts 1-Year BMI Loss in Gastric Bypass Surgery Patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of adherence to postoperative recommended psychiatric follow-up on weight loss in morbid obesity patients with psychiatric disorders 1 year after gastric bypass.

METHODS

Three hundred eighteen morbidly obese patients were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into four groups according to preoperative psychiatric evaluations and adherence to psychiatric follow-up 1 year after their bypass surgery. The first group included patients who did not meet the referral criteria (NMRC). The second group consisted of patients who did not meet the psychiatric diagnostic criteria (NMDC). The third group was patients who met criteria for a psychiatric disorder and were nonadherent (NA) to psychiatric follow-up. The fourth group consisted of patients who met criteria for a psychiatric disorder and were adherent (A) to psychiatric follow-up.

RESULTS

The A group exhibited higher % change in BMI than the NA and NMRC groups at 1 year after bypass surgery. Regression analyses to examine the effects of the grouping variable on % change in BMI were performed by controlling the effects of age, gender, educational level, and preoperative BMI. The regression coefficient for the grouping variable was 0.175 (p = .003) at the 6-month and 0.133 (p = .027) at the 1-year % change in BMI.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary data suggest that adherence to postoperative psychiatric follow-up is associated with greater postoperative weight loss. However, evidence from studies with a longer follow-up is required to justify this therapeutic approach.

The Psychosocial Burden of Obesity

Obesity is associated with several comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and several forms of cancer. Obesity and its comorbidities also come with a significant psychosocial burden, impacting numerous areas of psychosocial functioning. The evaluation of psychosocial functioning is an important part of the assessment and treatment planning for the patient with obesity. This article provides an overview of the psychosocial burden of obesity. The article also describes the psychological changes typically seen with weight loss. A particular focus is on the psychosocial functioning of individuals with extreme obesity who present for and undergo bariatric surgery.

Cirurgia bariátrica e transtornos alimentares: uma revisão integrativa

RESUMO Objetivo Realizar revisão sobre transtornos alimentares e comportamentos alimentares transtornados relacionados à cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos Revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs, Bireme, portal SciELO com descritores indexados com critérios de inclusão: oferecer dado sobre a presença ou frequência de transtorno alimentar e/ou comportamentos alimentares disfuncionais previamente e/ou após a cirurgia. Resultados Foram selecionados 150 estudos (14 nacionais e 136 internacionais): 80,6% eram com avaliação de pacientes pré-/pós-cirúrgicos; 12% eram estudos de caso e 7,3% eram estudos de revisão. Diferentes instrumentos foram usados para avaliação, principalmente o Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns, a Binge Eating Scale e Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire. A compulsão alimentar foi o comportamento mais avaliado, com frequências/prevalências variando de 2% a 94%; no caso do transtorno da compulsão alimentar as frequências/prevalências variaram de 3% a 61%. Houve também a descrição de anorexia e bulimia nervosa, síndrome da alimentação noturna e comportamento beliscador. Alguns estudos apontam melhora dos sintomas no pós-cirúrgico e/ou seguimento enquanto outros apontam surgimento ou piora dos problemas. Conclusão Apesar da variabilidade entre métodos e achados, comportamentos alimentares disfuncionais são muito frequentes em candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica e podem ainda surgir ou piorar após a intervenção cirúrgica. Profissionais de saúde devem considerar de maneira mais cuidadosa tais problemas neste público, dadas às consequências para o resultado cirúrgico e qualidade de vida.

The interface of depression and obesity

Depression and obesity are both highly prevalent and are leading public health problems. These foregoing disorders independently have great impact on morbidity and mortality affecting patients' health and well-being as well as on the socioeconomic aspect of functional impairment and healthcare expenditure. Results from epidemiological studies, clinical trials and recent meta-analyses support the association between mood disorders and obesity as both frequently co-occur in all races of populations examined. It is now well-established through longitudinal studies that obesity is a risk factor for mood disorders and vice versa. In the current review, we aim to address the evidence regarding 4 questions: (1) does obesity moderate response to antidepressants among patients with depressive disorders?, (2) does the presence of depressive disorders moderate the progression or outcome of obesity?, (3) does treatment of obesity moderate outcomes among patients with depressive disorders?, and (4) does treatment of depressive disorders moderate outcomes of obesity? In order to improve the interpretability of the results we confined the evaluations to studies where patients met the criteria for depressive disorders or obesity (i.e. BMI>30). Extant evidence supports the association between obesity and adverse health outcomes among individuals with depressive disorders. In addition, the treatment of one condition (i.e. obesity or depressive disorders) appears to improve the course of the other condition. It might be beneficial to check for the other condition in patients presenting with one condition and treatment should be administered to treat both conditions.

Predictors of suicidality in bariatric surgery candidates

Risk for suicidality (current or past suicidal ideation or attempt) increases after bariatric surgery; however, there is a paucity of research investigating suicidality predictors in this population. This study involved a retrospective chart review of individuals seeking psychological clearance for bariatric surgery. In total, 32 participants (15.8%) were classified as reporting suicidality. These participants endorsed greater depressive symptomatology and hopelessness, and hopelessness and mood disorder diagnosis each uniquely predicted whether or not a patient was classified as reporting suicidality. The findings within suggest that increased attention to the relationship among these variables may improve methods for identification of high-risk patients. Implications for clinical practiced are discussed.

Psychosocial presentation of female bariatric surgery patients after multiple revisional surgeries: A qualitative study

Bariatric surgery is currently the most viable and cost-effective treatment for obesity. This study aimed to understand, from a female patient’s perspective, what contributed to not achieving or maintaining excess weight loss from a primary laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, leading to subsequent multiple revisional bariatric surgeries. The purposive sample of participants ( N = 17 females) were over 18 years, had a primary failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric band and had more than three revisional procedures. Participants were individually interviewed and data were analysed from a grounded theory methodology to build a causal model with the core category of unrealistic expectations of bariatric surgery and other important conceptual categories.

Psychiatric Disorders and Weight Change in a Prospective Study of Bariatric Surgery Patients: A 3-Year Follow-Up

OBJECTIVES

To document changes in Axis I psychiatric disorders after bariatric surgery and examine their relationship with postsurgery weight loss.

METHODS

As part of a three-site substudy of the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery Research Consortium, 199 patients completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV before Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. At 2 or 3 years after surgery, 165 (83%) patients completed a follow-up assessment (presurgery median body mass index = 44.8 kg/m, median age = 46 years, 92.7% white, 81.1% female). Linear-mixed modeling was used to test change in prevalence of psychiatric disorders over time, report remission and incidence, and examine associations between psychiatric disorders and weight loss.

RESULTS

Compared with status presurgery, the prevalence of any Axis I psychiatric disorder was significantly lower at 2 and 3 years after surgery (30.2% versus 16.8% [p = .003] and 18.4% [p = .012], respectively). Adjusting for site, age, sex, race, presurgery body mass index, and surgical procedure, presurgery mood, anxiety, eating or substance use disorders (lifetime or current) were not related to weight change, nor were postsurgery mood or anxiety disorders (p for all > .05). However, having a postsurgery eating disorder was independently associated with less weight loss at 2 or 3 years (β = 6.7%, p = .035).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery was associated with decreases in psychiatric disorders through 3 years after surgery. Postsurgical eating disorders were associated with less weight loss after surgery, adding to the literature suggesting that disordered eating after surgery is related to suboptimal weight loss.

A comparison of behavioral and psychological characteristics of patients opting for surgical and conservative treatment for morbid obesity

Background

Little is known about the psychological prerequisites for weight loss maintenance after bariatric surgery. A first step in investigating whether existing knowledge of conservative weight loss treatment is applicable for lifestyle interventions postoperatively is to compare specific psychological characteristics at baseline. The aim of this study was to compare patients scheduled for bariatric surgery with patients receiving conservative treatment for morbid obesity on measures of behavioral and psychosocial characteristics considered predictors of their adoption of and adherence to long-term lifestyle recommendations.

Methods

Baseline clinical and questionnaire data from the prospective “Oslo Bariatric Surgery Study” were used to examine potential differences between bariatric surgery patients (n = 301) and patients receiving conservative weight loss treatment (n = 261).

Results

The surgical group was characterized by their younger age (43.8 vs. 46.2 years, p <0.01), higher percentage of women (79.1 vs. 70.1 %, p <0.05), and higher Body Mass Index (BMI; 45.0 vs. 41.9 kg/m², p <0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for group differences in BMI, gender, and age, showed that the surgical group had higher self-efficacy (Odds ratio; OR = 3.44, 95 % Confidence interval; CI 1.65, 7.14), more positive outcome expectations (OR = 1.53, 95 % CI 1.23, 1.89), and plans that were more explicit for changing their eating behaviors (OR = 1.80, 95 % CI 1.06, 1.93). The surgical patients were also less ready to change physical activity levels (OR = 0.59, 95 % CI 0.48, 0.73), had tried more types of unhealthy weight loss methods in the past (OR = 1.16, 95 % CI 1.01, 1.33), drank soda more frequently (OR = 1.24, 95 % CI 1.02, 1.50), had fewer binge eating episodes (OR = 0.38, 95 % CI 0.20, 0.71), and had more depressive symptoms (OR = 1.19, 95 % CI 1.09, 1.29).

Conclusions

Patients opting for bariatric surgery had more positive expectations of the treatment outcomes and stronger beliefs in their ability to achieve these outcomes. Those starting conservative treatment had stronger beliefs in readiness to change physical activity levels. Future studies should explore the effect of interventions for bariatric surgery patients, promoting postoperative physical activity and stress realistic outcome expectations. The potential effects of incorporating this knowledge in intervention strategies remain to be explored.

Importance of emotional regulation in obesity and weight loss treatment

Abstract This theoretical study discusses the importance of emotional regulation process in obesity and in the success/failure of weight loss treatment, systematizing results of empirical studies and theoretical developments that have occurred in this field. Although there has been a substantial interest about this theme, it is difficult to achieve a consensual formulation to explain the relation between emotional regulation and weight because of the huge variability in the methodologies adopted and of the complexity of this phenomenon. In spite of all efforts, more than definite answers, studies have been revealing new research paths to be followed in this complex field.

Psychological outcome 4 years after restrictive bariatric surgery

Extreme obesity is associated with severe psychiatric and somatic comorbidity and impairment of psychosocial functioning. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment not only with regard to weight loss but also with obesity-associated illnesses. Health-related psychological and psychosocial variables have been increasingly considered as important outcome variables of bariatric surgery. However, the long-term impact of bariatric surgery on psychological and psychosocial functioning is largely unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the course of weight and psychological variables including depression, anxiety, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and self-esteem up to 4 years after obesity surgery.By standardized questionnaires prior to (T1) and 1 year (T2), 2 years (T3), and 4 years (T4) after surgery, 148 patients (47 males (31.8 %), 101 females (68.2 %), mean age 38.8 ± 10.2 years) were assessed.On average, participants lost 24.6 % of their initial weight 1 year after surgery, 25.1 % after 2 years, and 22.3 % after 4 years. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in depressive symptoms, physical dimension of quality of life, and self-esteem with peak improvements 1 year after surgery. These improvements were largely maintained. Significant correlations between weight loss and improvements in depression, physical aspects of HRQOL (T2, T3, and T4), and self-esteem (T3) were observed.Corresponding to the considerable weight loss after bariatric surgery, important aspects of mental health improved significantly during the 4-year follow-up period. However, parallel to weight regain, psychological improvements showed a slow but not significant decline over time.

The long-term effect of energy restricted diets for treating obesity

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the effectiveness of diet interventions by systematic review of the long-term effects of energy restricted diets in individuals with overweight and obesity.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted for all clinical trials studying the effect of energy restricted diets on body weight in individuals with a BMI>25 kg/m(2) with a follow-up of at least 3 years and a minimum of 50 participants. Weight change from baseline and rates of loss to follow-up at the longest follow-up were extracted and analyzed using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Weighted mean weight loss after 3 years follow-up was 3.5% (95% CI 0.2-6.8%) (n = 6,163) and after 4 years follow-up 4.5% (95% CI 4.3-4.8%) (n = 5,696). Energy restricted diets (n = 1,433) resulted in an average 2.9% (95% CI -3.8 to -2.1%) greater weight loss compared to untreated control groups (n = 1,361). Weight regain was observed in the majority of individuals in all studies. Interpretation of the data is limited by high rates of loss to follow-up and lack of truly untreated control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

On average, the long-term effect of diets on body weight in individuals with obesity is modest, and the response is highly heterogeneous.

Does severe dietary energy restriction increase binge eating in overweight or obese individuals? A systematic review

Severe dietary energy restriction is often used for overweight or obese individuals to achieve rapid weight loss and related health improvements. However, the extent of putative adverse effects on eating behaviour is unknown. We thus systematically searched seven databases for studies that assessed binge eating before and after severe dietary energy restriction (low or very low energy diets) in overweight or obese individuals. Fifteen clinically supervised interventions from 10 publications (nine of which involved only women) were included. Among individuals with clinically relevant pre-treatment binge eating disorder, severe dietary energy restriction significantly decreased binge eating in all four interventions involving this population, at least during the weight loss programme. In contrast, no consistent association between severe dietary energy restriction and the onset of bingeing was found in 11 interventions involving individuals without pre-treatment binge eating disorder, with four such interventions showing significant increases, two showing no change, and five showing significant decreases in binge eating. We conclude that clinically supervised severe dietary energy restriction appears safe and beneficial for overweight or obese individuals with pre-treatment binge eating disorder, and does not necessarily trigger binge eating in those without binge eating disorder.

Health-related quality of life and psychological functioning 9 years after restrictive surgical treatment for obesity

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery leads to initial weight loss that is associated with improvement in mental health; however, long-term effects are uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of restrictive surgical treatment for obesity on weight loss, psychological functioning, and quality of life 9 years after surgery.

SETTING

University hospitals and obesity centers, Germany.

METHODS

152 patients undergoing restrictive surgical treatment (SURG), 249 individuals participating in a conventional weight loss treatment (CONV), and 128 obese control participants without weight loss treatment (OC) were studied using a prospective longitudinal cohort design. After 9 years, 55% of SURG patients, 51% of CONV patients, and 65% of OC participants were reassessed. Body mass index, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were explored.

RESULTS

The SURG group had significantly greater weight loss and improvements in physical HRQOL at all postbaseline assessments. Although SURG patients experienced initial improvements in depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and mental aspects of HRQOL, these improvements deteriorated at the 9-year assessment and were comparable to or worse than presurgical levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and is linked to maintained improvement of physical aspects of HRQOL. Weight reduction after surgery is also associated with significant initial improvement in mental health that may erode over time. Therefore, psychosocial screening should be included at follow-ups, with referral to mental health professionals as appropriate.

Is there a "metabolic-mood syndrome"? A review of the relationship between obesity and mood disorders

Obesity and mood disorders are highly prevalent and co-morbid. Epidemiological studies have highlighted the public health relevance of this association, insofar as both conditions and its co-occurrence are associated with a staggering illness-associated burden. Accumulating evidence indicates that obesity and mood disorders are intrinsically linked and share a series of clinical, neurobiological, genetic and environmental factors. The relationship of these conditions has been described as convergent and bidirectional; and some authors have attempted to describe a specific subtype of mood disorders characterized by a higher incidence of obesity and metabolic problems. However, the nature of this association remains poorly understood. There are significant inconsistencies in the studies evaluating metabolic and mood disorders; and, as a result, several questions persist about the validity and the generalizability of the findings. An important limitation in this area of research is the noteworthy phenotypic and pathophysiological heterogeneity of metabolic and mood disorders. Although clinically useful, categorical classifications in both conditions have limited heuristic value and its use hinders a more comprehensive understanding of the association between metabolic and mood disorders. A recent trend in psychiatry is to move toward a domain specific approach, wherein psychopathology constructs are agnostic to DSM-defined diagnostic categories and, instead, there is an effort to categorize domains based on pathogenic substrates, as proposed by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Research Domain Criteria Project (RDoC). Moreover, the substrates subserving psychopathology seems to be unspecific and extend into other medical illnesses that share in common brain consequences, which includes metabolic disorders. Overall, accumulating evidence indicates that there is a consistent association of multiple abnormalities in neuropsychological constructs, as well as correspondent brain abnormalities, with broad-based metabolic dysfunction, suggesting, therefore, that the existence of a "metabolic-mood syndrome" is possible. Nonetheless, empirical evidence is necessary to support and develop this concept. Future research should focus on dimensional constructs and employ integrative, multidisciplinary and multimodal approaches.

Determinants of Weight Loss following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: The Role of Psychological Burden, Coping Style, and Motivation to Undergo Surgery

BACKGROUND

The amount of excess weight loss (%EWL) among obese patients after bariatric surgery varies greatly. However, reliable predictors have not been established yet. The present study evaluated the preoperative psychological burden, coping style, and motivation to lose weight as factors determining postoperative treatment success.

METHODS

The sample included 64 morbidly obese patients with a preoperative BMI of 51 ± 8 kg/m(2) who had undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Well-established questionnaires were applied before surgery to assess the psychological burden in terms of "perceived stress" (PSQ-20), "depression" (PHQ-9), "anxiety" (GAD-7), and "mental impairment" (ISR) as well as coping style (Brief COPE) and motivation to lose weight. %EWL as an indicator for treatment success was assessed on average 20 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Based on the %EWL distribution, patients were classified into three %EWL groups: low (14-39%), moderate (40-59%), and high (60-115%). LSG patients with high %EWL reported significantly more "active coping" behavior prior to surgery than patients with moderate and low %EWL. Patients' preoperative psychological burden and motivation to lose weight were not associated with %EWL.

CONCLUSION

An "active coping" style might be of predictive value for better weight loss outcomes in patients following LSG intervention.

Neuropsychological factors and bariatric surgery: a review

Obesity has become a global epidemic with associated physical, psychological, and cognitive deficits that tax the healthcare system and result in a significant economic burden. These costs have necessitated treatment measures to reduce the incidence of obesity as well as comorbidities associated with obesity. We review the current literature in order to describe the pre-surgical psychological and cognitive characteristics of individuals undergoing bariatric surgery and the possible changes in these functions following surgery. We discuss the importance of a pre-surgical evaluation that adequately evaluates cognitive and emotional functioning and what this evaluation should entail. Finally, we discuss recent trends in the types of bariatric surgeries being performed and how these changes may influence subsequent physical, cognitive, and emotional health.

Greater short-term weight loss in women 20-45 versus 55-65 years of age following bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Whether and how sex and age affect bariatric-surgery outcome is poorly understood. Estrogens regulate body composition in women and animals, and increase weight loss in a rodent model of gastric bypass, suggesting that premenopausal women may lose more weight following bariatric surgery.

METHODS

One thousand three hundred fifty-six female gastric-bypass or gastric-banding patients were retrospectively grouped as 20-45 years old (presumptively premenopausal; n = 1,199) and 55-65 years old (presumptively postmenopausal; n = 157). Mixed-model ANCOVA followed by Bonferroni-corrected t tests were used to categorically test the effect of age on percent excess body weight loss (%EBWL) at 1 and 2 years post-surgery, controlling for preoperative EBW and surgery type. Age effects were also tested dimensionally in all women and in 289 male patients.

RESULTS

Twenty- to forty-five-year-old women showed greater %EBWL 1 and 2 years post-surgery than 55-65-year-old women (p's < 0.0005). No age effect was detected in 20-25- vs. 30-35-, 30-35- vs. 40-45-, or 20-25- vs. 40-45-year-old women (p's > 0.2) This age effect was detected only after gastric banding, with 20-45-year-old women losing ∼7 kg more than 55-65-year-old women after 2 years. Dimensional analysis confirmed a significant inverse effect of age on bariatric surgery outcome in women, but did not detect any effect in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that 55-65-year-old women lose less weight than 20-45-year-old women in the initial 2 years after bariatric surgery, especially gastric banding; this may be mediated by age- or menopause-associated changes in physical activity, energy expenditure, or energy intake.

Psychopathological similarities and differences between obese patients seeking surgical and non-surgical overweight treatments

PURPOSE

To compare the psychopathological characteristics of obese patients seeking bariatric surgery with those seeking a medical approach.

METHODS

A total of 394 consecutive outpatients seeking bariatric surgery were compared with 683 outpatients seeking a medical treatment. All patients were referred to the same institution.

RESULTS

Obesity surgery patients reported higher body mass index (BMI), objective/subjective binging and more severe general psychopathology, while obesity medical patients showed more eating and body shape concerns. Depression was associated with higher BMI among obesity surgery clinic patients, whereas eating-specific psychopathology was associated with higher BMI and objective binge-eating frequency among obesity medical clinic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients seeking bariatric surgery showed different psychopathological features compared with those seeking a non-surgical approach. This suggests the importance for clinicians to consider that patients could seek bariatric surgery on the basis of the severity of the psychological distress associated with their morbid obesity, rather than criteria only based on clinical indication.

Measurement of disordered eating in bariatric surgery candidates: a systematic review of the literature

Symptoms of disordered eating are common among patients seeking bariatric surgery, and assessment of eating pathology is typical in pre-surgical evaluations. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the definitions, diagnostic criteria and measures used to assess disordered eating in adults seeking bariatric surgery. The review identified 147 articles featuring 34 questionnaires and 45 interviews used in pre-surgical assessments. The Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns Revised and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM were the most frequently used questionnaire and interview respectively. Variations to pre-surgical diagnostic criteria included changes to the frequency and duration criteria for binge eating, and inconsistent use of disordered eating definitions (e.g., grazing). Results demonstrate a paucity of measures designed specifically for an obese sample, and only 24% of questionnaires and 4% of interviews used had any reported psychometric evaluation in bariatric surgery candidates. The psychometric data available suggest that interview assessments are critical for accurately identifying binge episodes and other diagnostic information, while self-report questionnaires may be valuable for providing additional information of clinical utility (e.g., severity of eating, shape and weight-related concerns). Findings highlight the need for consensus on disordered eating diagnostic criteria and psychometric evaluation of measures to determine whether existing measures provide a valid assessment of disordered eating in this population. Consistent diagnosis and the use of validated measures will facilitate accurate identification of disordered eating in the pre-surgical population to enable assessment of suitability for surgery and appropriate targeting of treatment for disordered eating to optimise treatment success.

The impact of weight loss on depression status in obese individuals subjected to intragastric balloon treatment

BACKGROUND

Although depression is considered to be significantly related to morbid obesity disorder, no information exists on the evolution of depression status after weight loss, in particular when an intragastric balloon is used. This prospective 6-month study examines both the effect on depression status and the relation of weight loss to depression in morbidly obese patients treated by intragastric balloon.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive females fulfilling criteria for balloon treatment were assessed for depression and divided into two groups (65 depressed, 35 non-depressed). Obesity-related parameters were comparable.

RESULTS

During the treatment period, the depression status of the mildly, moderately, and severely depressed patients improved from 40, 32.3, and 27.7 % to 20, 7.7, and 1.5 %, respectively, with 70.8 % finally exhibiting no depression at all. During the same period, body weight, BMI, body fat, and excess weight loss (EWL) were comparable between all groups, the range of BMI affecting neither the depression score nor the reduction of obesity parameters. However, there was a significant [percentage of EWL >30] weight loss difference in favor of those who were less severely depressed initially.

CONCLUSION

The degree of weight loss observed in obese depressed females-being comparable to that achieved by non-depressed females-after intragastric balloon insertion was found to positively affect their depression status.

Comprehensive behavioral-motivational nutrition education improves depressive symptoms following bariatric surgery: a randomized, controlled trial of obese Hispanic Americans

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of 2 post-bariatric support interventions on depressive symptoms of Hispanic Americans treated with gastric bypass for morbid or severe obesity.

DESIGN/SETTING

Prospective randomized, controlled trial conducted in a laparoscopic institution.

PARTICIPANTS/INTERVENTIONS

During the Phase 1 clinical trial (from preoperative evaluation to 6 months after surgery), all participants received standard care. During Phase 2 (6-12 months after surgery), participants were randomly assigned to receive either standard care (n = 72) or comprehensive support (n = 72). Comprehensive group participants received 6 educational sessions focused on behavior change strategies and motivation with nutrition counseling.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Depression scores and weight change over time.

ANALYSIS

Independent samples t tests and regression analysis assessed relationships among depression scores and excess weight loss.

RESULTS

Participants receiving behavioral-motivational intervention scored significantly lower on Beck's Depression Inventory questionnaire scores than those receiving standard care. For those with depressive symptoms at randomization, 24% of participants who received the comprehensive intervention reported no depressive symptoms at 12 months after surgery, compared with 6% of those who received standard care (P < .001). Patients' depressive mood improvement was significantly and positively associated with excess weight loss and attendance at educational sessions (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Findings support the importance of post-bariatric comprehensive behavioral-motivational nutrition education for decreasing risk for depression and improving weight loss.

Psychological predictors of weight loss after bariatric surgery: a review of the recent research

BACKGROUND

Morbid obesity is the fastest growing BMI group in the U.S. and the prevalence of morbid obesity worldwide has never been higher. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe forms of obesity especially with regard to a sustained long-term weight loss. Psychological factors are thought to play an important role for maintaining the surgical weight loss. However, results from prior research examining preoperative psychological predictors of weight loss outcome are inconsistent. The aim of this article was to review more recent literature on psychological predictors of surgical weight loss.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science, for original prospective studies with a sample size >30 and at least one year follow-up, using a combination of search terms such as 'bariatric surgery', 'morbid obesity', 'psychological predictors', and 'weight loss'. Only studies published after 2003 were included.

RESULTS

19 eligible studies were identified. Psychological predictors of surgical weight loss investigated in the reviewed studies include cognitive function, personality, psychiatric disorder, and eating behaviour.

CONCLUSION

In general, recent research remains inconsistent, but the findings suggest that pre-surgical cognitive function, personality, mental health, composite psychological variables and binge eating may predict post-surgical weight loss to the extent that these factors influence post-operative eating behaviour.

Psychiatric aspects of bariatric surgery

While most conventional treatments for individuals with severe obesity have a modest and short lived impact bariatric surgery has been consistently shown to result in long-term marked weight loss and significant improvement in medical comorbidities. Empirical data suggest a high prevalence of mental disorders among bariatric surgery candidates. This article reviews specific areas of psychopathology, problems in using psychopharmacological medications post-surgery, body contouring, and recommendations for pre and post-surgery care. Available research indicates a decrease in psychiatric symptoms post-surgery. However, in some patients the improvement appears to erode over time. Therefore, bariatric surgery patients should be monitored not only before surgery but also following surgery and referred for mental health treatment if problems develop.