Binge eating disorder, anxiety, depression and body image in grade III obesity patients

Interpersonal Characteristics and Binge Eating among Patients Pursuing Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Preoperative binge eating behavior has been associated with difficulties in weight loss maintenance among patients pursuing bariatric surgery. However, limited data exists on the relationship between interpersonal difficulties and binge eating.

OBJECTIVES

To identify interpersonal factors linked with binge eating among bariatric surgery candidates.

SETTING

One hundred and seventeen adult bariatric surgery candidates (BMI = 42.2 ± 5.2) from three different hospitals completed questionnaires on the day of their bariatric committee meeting for operation approval.

METHODS

Binge eating was assessed using the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-5 (QEWP-5) as a dichotomous variable. Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and interpersonal characteristics were evaluated using the short version of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32). Sociodemographic variables (age, gender, income, education) and BMI were considered as confounders.

RESULTS

Approximately 25% of bariatric surgery candidates reported experiencing binge eating episodes within the previous three months. Participants with binge eating exhibited significantly lower self-esteem and more interpersonal difficulties, particularly in the domains of aggressiveness and dependence, compared to those without binge eating. Logistic regression analysis revealed that aggressiveness was a significant predictor of binge eating in this sample.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to investigate the relationship between interpersonal difficulties and binge eating among bariatric surgery candidates. The findings highlight the significant contribution of aggressiveness to binge eating and emphasize the importance of clinicians assessing patients' interpersonal functioning, particularly with regard to aggressiveness, as a factor that may contribute to the maintenance and occurrence of binge eating behaviors.

Generalized Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Dysfunctional Eating Behavior after Obesity Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: The present study investigates the impact of obesity surgery on mental health (i.e., eating behavior and distress) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Two hundred fifty-four participants were recruited via social media. One hundred fourteen (44.53%) of them were surgery candidates (waiting for obesity surgery), while 142 (55.46%) had already undergone surgery. Participants who underwent surgery were compared to participants that did not yet undergo surgery in terms of mental burden (depression and anxiety), as well as safety and eating behavior. Further moderation analyses attempted to identify risk factors for increased COVID-19-related dysfunctional eating behavior after surgery. Results: Participants who underwent surgery showed generally lower levels of depression and general anxiety on a trend level. Moderation analyses suggested that people with high levels of generalized anxiety actually show more dysfunctional COVID-19-specific eating behavior after obesity surgery. Conclusion: On a trend level, obesity surgery appears to attenuate symptoms of generalized anxiety and depression. Yet, surgery patients with high levels of generalized anxiety exhibit even higher levels of dysfunctional eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is therefore particularly important to support people at risk.

Associations between binge eating, depressive symptoms and anxiety and weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

Weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery (BS) is frequent.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the occurrence of psychiatric disorders would be associated with short- and long-term WR after BS.

METHODS

Ninety-six patients (77.6% female, age 40.2 ± 10.1 years, BMI of 50 ± 8.2 kg/m²) from the Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Outpatient Clinic of the Universidade Federal São Paulo completed the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns-Revised, the Beck Depression Inventory and an anxiety inventory to assess the occurrence of binge eating, depressive symptoms (DS) and anxious symptoms (AS) before and after short-term and long-term BS.

RESULTS

Twenty-four months after BS, the prevalence of binge eating, depression and anxiety decreased from 100 to 13%, 100 to 15% and 43 to 4%, respectively. The mean WR of 35.2 ± 17.3% of weight loss occurred in nine patients after 24 months and was associated with binge eating (p = 0.002) but not with DS or AS. At long-term follow-up (12 ± 1.5 years), 67% had a mean WR of 50.3 ± 24.9%. The prevalence of binge eating, DS and AS were 48%, 46% and 63%, respectively, in this group, and significant associations were observed between WR and binge eating (p = 0.001), DS (p = 0.029) and AS (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the number of psychiatric disorders was inversely associated with the percentage of weight loss (p < 0.05) and positively associated with WR (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Weight regain was associated with the occurrence of binge eating in the short and long term after BS, whereas the occurrence of depressive and anxious symptoms was associated with WR only in the long term.

LEVEL III

Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.

The psychosocial experience of feeling overweight promotes increased snack food consumption in women but not men

Self-identification of being overweight has been associated with overeating and weight gain in observational studies, irrespective of whether the individual in question is objectively overweight. The aims of the present studies were to examine whether experimentally manipulating the psychosocial experience of feeling overweight impacted on snack food consumption and to identify mechanisms explaining this effect. In Study 1, to manipulate the psychosocial experience of feeling overweight, 120 women wore an obese body suit or control clothing in public or private settings, before consuming snack foods. Wearing the obese body suit resulted in an increase in snack food consumption and this effect was not moderated by whether participants wore the obese body suit in public or in private. In Study 2, we aimed to replicate the effect of the obese body suit on snack food consumption and also examined whether the effect of the body suit on eating behaviour was moderated by participant sex (n = 150; 80 women). Women who wore the obese body suit ate significantly more than women who wore the control clothing, but this effect was not observed in men. Across both studies we examined a number of potential mechanisms that could explain the effect that wearing the obese body suit had on snack food consumption, but did not find supporting evidence. The psychosocial experience of feeling overweight may lead to increased snack food consumption in women, but the psychological mechanism explaining this effect is unclear.

The association between body mass index and health and economic outcomes in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with significant physical, psychosocial and economic burden globally. In Brazil, almost 50% of the population is either overweight or obese. The prevalence of morbid obesity increased by 255% between 1975 and 2003. The current study sought to quantify the relationship between weight status and health outcomes.

METHODS

Data from three waves (2011, 2012, and 2015) of the Brazil National Health and Wellness Survey, an Internet-based survey administered to a demographically diverse sample of Brazilian adults, were used. Body mass index category was calculated based on self-reported height and weight and respondents were categorized into five groups (normal, overweight, obese class I, obese class II, obese class III; n = 34,254). Multivariable analyses, controlling for sociodemographic variables and health history, tested the association with body mass index group and outcomes including health status (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12-Item Health Survey version 2/Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-Item Health Survey version 2), work productivity (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health Questionnaire), and costs associated with work impairment (indirect costs), self-reported healthcare resource use and associated direct costs.

RESULTS

Overall, 53.6% of the surveyed Brazilian population reported being overweight or obese. In virtually all the analyses, increasing body mass index group was associated with significant and progressively worse outcomes. Most notable was the finding that hospitalization costs were over twice as high (R$3141.84 vs. R$1349.60) and indirect costs were nearly double (R$1656.80 vs. R$884.15) for obesity class III than for normal body mass index respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity rates in Brazil are considerable and, from a patient and societal perspective, increasingly burdensome, thereby highlighting the need for stakeholders to prioritize strategies for weight management interventions.

Relationship Among Body Image, Anthropometric Parameters and Mental Health in Physical Education Students

Background

The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction (BID) is currently high. Given that psychological well-being is associated with the body measurements imposed by esthetic standards, BID is an important risk factor for mental disorders.

Objective

Identify the prevalence of BID, and compare anthropometric and mental health parameters between individuals satisfied and dissatisfied with their body image.

Method

A total of 140 university students completed the silhouette scale to screen for BID. Anthropometric measures, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage (BFP) were used. To investigate mental health, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI-S and STAI-T), Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale and Quality of Life (QOL-36) questionnaire were used to investigate mental health. The Student’s t-test was applied to compare anthropometric and mental health parameters.

Results

67.1% of university students exhibited BID. There was a significant difference (p = 0.041) in BF and WC (p = 0.048) between dissatisfied and satisfied individuals. With respect to mood states, significant differences were observed for anger (p = 0.014), depression (p = 0.011), hostility (p = 0.006), fatigue (p = 0.013), mental confusion (p = 0.021) and total mood disturbance (TMD) (p = 0.001). The mental aspect of QOL was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in satisfied university students compared to their dissatisfied counterparts.

Conclusion

BID was high and it seems to be influenced by anthropometric measures related to the amount and distribution of body fat. This dissatisfaction may have a negative effect on the quality of life and mood state of young adults.

Binge eating, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in participants of the ELSA-Brazil

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the relationship between recurrent binge eating episodes and nutritional and food profiles and lifestyle in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto - ELSA-Brazil) cohort.

RESULTS

Recurrent binge eating episodes were associated with obesity (OR 5.188; confidence interval [CI] 4.051-6.645), overweight (OR 2.534; CI 1.980-3.243), female sex (OR 1.918; CI 1.573-2.338), age between 34 and 54 years old (OR 1.349; CI 1.115-1.631), alcohol ingestion ≥ 5 in two hours (OR 1.397; CI 1.068-1.827), and insufficient physical activity (OR 1.290; CI 1.078-1.544).

CONCLUSION

Being overweight has an important association with recurrent binge eating episodes, as does demographic and lifestyle characteristics, including excessive alcohol consumption.

Risk behaviors for eating disorders and depressive symptoms: a study of female adolescents in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between depressive symptoms and eating disorders in female adolescents. The sample included 371 girls ranging from 12 to 16 years of age in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The study used the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and Major Depression Inventory (MDI) to evaluate eating disorders and depressive symptoms, respectively. The linear regression model showed that 18% of the EAT-26 scores were influenced by MDI (F(1, 370) = 14.18; p = 0.001). Moreover, the findings indicated a statistically significant association between depressive symptoms and eating disorders (χ2 = 14.71; Wald = 12.90; p = 0.001). The authors concluded that depressive symptoms were related to eating disorders in female adolescents. Thus, girls with some level of depression showed a greater tendency to adopt disordered eating as a daily habit.

To eat or not to eat; is that really the question? An evaluation of problematic eating behaviors and mental health among bariatric surgery candidates

Problematic eating behaviors, such as emotional eating, and food addiction, may affect weight; however, little is known about these eating behaviors, especially among those seeking bariatric surgery. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of problematic eating behaviors and to investigate their relationship with other eating behaviors, body mass index (BMI), and psychiatric symptoms. There were 142 patients who completed a required psychiatric evaluation prior to bariatric surgery. Of these, 16.9 % met criteria for a food addiction and 25.4-40.7 % endorsed emotional eating, depending on type of emotional eating. The number of food addiction symptoms endorsed was related to emotional eating. Both food addiction and emotional eating were related to anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, surprisingly, BMI was not related to a food addiction diagnosis, emotional eating scores, or psychiatric symptoms. Results from this study suggest that problematic eating behaviors are occurring among bariatric surgery candidates. Furthermore, this study may help to address the conflicting research regarding the effects of psychiatric symptoms on weight-loss outcomes. Perhaps it is the problematic eating behaviors (e.g., food addiction and emotional eating) that are associated with psychiatric symptoms that could be influencing outcomes. Future research should evaluate treatments for problematic eating behaviors and whether treatments improve weight-loss success.

Imagem corporal, ansiedade e depressão em pacientes obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica

Pacientes obesos mórbidos têm recorrido à cirurgia bariátrica como um recurso eficaz para perder peso. Entretanto, este procedimento pode causar alterações comportamentais significativas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os níveis de ansiedade e depressão, assim como as mudanças sofridas na percepção da imagem corporal em pacientes obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica em três momentos: pré-operatório, 6 meses e 12 meses após a cirurgia. Trata-se de um estudo do tipo prospectivo longitudinal, de abordagem quantitativa. No estudo foram aplicados os Inventários de Depressão e Ansiedade de Beck e a Escala Brasileira de Figuras de Silhuetas para Adultos. A cirurgia diminuiu significativamente tanto o índice de massa corporal dos pacientes quanto a insatisfação com a sua imagem corporal. Essa perda de peso e diminuição da insatisfação com a imagem corporal foi acompanhada de redução nos níveis de ansiedade e depressão, o que sugere que estes são fatores importantes no quadro obesidade.

Evaluation of quality of life in severely obese patients after bariatric surgery carried out in the public healthcare system

OBJECTIVES: To assess QoL of obese patients in the Brazilian public healthcare system, before and after bariatric surgery, and to determine the appropriateness of the Moorehead-Ardelt Questionnaire II (M-A-QoLQII) compared with the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-one severe obese patients in a waiting-list, and 84 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were included. Correlations were tested and reliability determined by the Cronbach's coefficient. RESULTS: BMI differed between the pre- and post-surgery groups (52.3 ± 8.3 kg/m² vs. 32.5 ± 6.4 kg/m², p < 0.001). The latter showed better scores in the SF-36 domains than in the pre-surgery. SF-36 and M-A-QoLQII categories were correlated (r = 0.53, 0.49 and 0.47, for vitality, mental health, and general health domains, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression, age, previous BMI, and loss of excess weight were associated with functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of bariatric surgery obtained in a Brazilian public healthcare center were successful. M-A-QoLII represents a useful tool to assess surgery outcomes, including QoL.

A review of Latin American studies on binge eating disorder

OBJECTIVE

To review the state of the art of the scientific literature on binge eating disorder in Latin America.

METHOD

A literature search of studies conducted in Latin American countries using the term "binge eating" was performed in the following electronic databases: PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and PsycINFO. Selected articles described studies developed with Latin American samples that met partial or complete DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder.

RESULTS

8,123 articles were screened and 30 studies met the inclusion criteria (18 cross-sectional studies, 5 clinical trials, 4 case reports, 2 validity studies, and 1 cohort study). Most of the studies were conducted in Brazil (27), one in Argentina, one in Colombia, and one in Venezuela. The prevalence of binge eating disorder among obese people attending weight loss programs ranged between 16% and 51.6%. The comparison between obese people with and without binge eating disorder showed a tendency of higher weight, longer history of weight fluctuation, more concern about shape and weight, and association with psychiatric comorbidity in those with binge eating disorder.

CONCLUSION

Binge eating disorder is a detectable phenomenon in Latin America with clinical features similar to those found in the international literature. This review provides support for the consideration of binge eating disorder as a distinct eating disorder in the International Classification of Diseases - 11th edition.

Interdisciplinary lifestyle therapy improves binge eating symptoms and body image dissatisfaction in Brazilian obese adults

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is related to numerous negative consequences for physical and mental health. It is often associated with the presence of binge eating disorder, body image dissatisfaction, and general psychopathology. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of an interdisciplinary lifestyle therapy on binge eating symptoms, depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and quality of life in obese adults. METHODS: A total of 49 obese adults (body mass index = 37.35±5.82 kg/m²; age = 44.14±10.00 years) participated in a weight-loss program for 6 months. Symptoms suggestive of binge eating, body dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety, and quality of life were measured using self-reported questionnaires. Food intake was assessed using a 3-day dietary record. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: ANOVA results showed a reduction in binge eating symptoms and in body dissatisfaction results. Depression and anxiety symptoms also decreased, and an increase was observed in quality of life scores. After therapy, a significant improvement was observed in dietary patterns, as well as significant weight loss. A positive correlation was found between variation of anxiety symptoms and lipid intake. Binge eating symptoms were associated with anxiety symptoms and body image dissatisfaction, and body image dissatisfaction correlated positively with anxiety symptoms in males only. In females, a positive correlation was observed between depression and binge eating symptoms. CONCLUSION: The interdisciplinary therapy was effective in promoting positive physical and psychological changes and in improving the quality of life of obese adults.

Medicina, Freud e obesidade: diálogos multidisciplinares sob a perspectiva de Foucault

Observa-se, na atualidade, um aumento da obesidade e da busca por tratamento para essa enfermidade. Embora a participação do psicanalista seja importante, as diferenças entre o foco de trabalho do psicanalista e da área médica muitas vezes dificulta a interlocução entre ambos. Nesse contexto, o presente artigo tem como objetivo geral examinar, a partir do referencial de Foucault, o processo de interlocução entre os campos da Medicina e da Psicanálise. Com isso, esperamos obter subsídios para a clínica psicanalítica no contexto hospitalar, de modo a facilitar o processo de comunicação na equipe multidisciplinar.

Aspectos psicossociais em cirurgia bariátrica: a associação entre variáveis emocionais, trabalho, relacionamentos e peso corporal

RACIONAL: Operações bariátricas têm sido consideradas alternativa para o tratamento de obesidade mórbida. Alguns eventos adversos que as pessoas experimentam após o tratamento frequentemente são consequência da falta de conhecimento consistente associada a fatores psicossociais que estão relacionadas ao status pré-operatório dos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as variáveis ?psicossociais de 414 candidatos ? cirurgia bari?trica do Hospital de Cl?nicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de S?o Paulo, Ribeir?o Preto, SP, Brasil. psicossociais de 414 candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica do Hospital de Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados entrevista semi-estruturada, Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI), Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck (BAI) e Binge Eating Scale (BES). RESULTADOS: IMC foi maior entre os pacientes que não tinham emprego (p = 0,019), do sexo feminino, os que tinham um parceiro e os pacientes com IMC <50 kg / m², todos eles desejando ter peso menor (p<0,001). Escores do BAI foram maiores entre os pacientes que não tinham emprego (p <0,05) e maior naqueles com IMC> 50 kg / m² (p <0,05). BDI foram mais altos entre as mulheres (p <0,05) e menores entre aqueles que tinham um emprego (p <0,01). Nenhuma diferença no BES foi encontrada. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados sugerem que as mulheres apresentaram indicadores mais elevados de ansiedade e depressão, sugerindo que elas tinham funcionamento psicológico mais frágil com dificuldades em lidar com a angústia. Auto-percepção, assim como competências e habilidades, podem refletir aspectos internos da personalidade do indivíduo. Pacientes que tiveram um emprego antes da operação parecia ter mais recursos emocionais. Assim, eles podiam sentir menos sofrimento, porque o emprego podia protegê-los. Mulheres e aqueles que não tinham emprego eram mais propensos a apresentar sintomas de depressão. Além disso, pacientes que não tinham emprego e aqueles com IMC> 50 kg / m² foram mais propensos a apresentar sintomas de ansiedade.

Posture and body image in individuals with major depressive disorder: a controlled study

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to quantify posture and body image in patients with major depressive disorder during episodes and after drug treatment, comparing the results with those obtained for healthy volunteers.

METHOD

Over a 10-week period, we evaluated 34 individuals with depression and 37 healthy volunteers. Posture was assessed based on digital photos of the subjects; CorelDRAW software guidelines and body landmarks were employed. Body image was evaluated using the Body Shape Questionnaire.

RESULTS

During depressive episodes (in comparison with the post-treatment period), patients showed increased head flexion (p<0.001), increased thoracic kyphosis (p<0.001), a trend toward left pelvic retroversion (p=0.012) and abduction of the left scapula (p=0.046). During remission, patient posture was similar to that of the controls. At week 1 (during the episode), there were significant differences between the patients and the controls in terms of head flexion (p<0.001) and thoracic kyphosis (p<0.001); at weeks 8-10 (after treatment), such differences were seen only for shoulder position. The mean score on the Body Shape Questionnaire was 90.03 during the depressive episode, compared with 75.82 during remission (p=0.012) and 62.57 for the controls.

CONCLUSION

During episodes of depression, individuals with major depressive disorder experience changes in posture and mild dissatisfaction with body image. The findings demonstrate that the negative impact of depression includes emotional and physical factors.

Quality of life in Brazilian obese adolescents: effects of a long-term multidisciplinary lifestyle therapy

Background

Obesity has adverse physical, social, and economic consequences that can negatively affect quality of life (QOL). Thus the aim of this study was to verify the effects of a long-term multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention on QOL, body image, anxiety, depression and binge eating in obese adolescents.

Methods

Sixty-six obese adolescents (41 girls and 25 boys; BMI: 35.62 ± 4.18 kg/m²) were recruited from the Multidisciplinary Obesity Intervention Program outpatient clinic, and were submitted to a multidisciplinary lifestyle therapy (short-term = 12 weeks and long-term = 24 weeks), composed of medical, dietary, exercise and psychological programs. Validated self-report questionnaires were used to assess symptoms of anxiety Trait/State (STAI); depression (BDI); binge eating (BES), body image dissatisfaction (BSQ) and QOL (SF-36). Data were analyzed by means of scores; comparisons were made by ANOVA for repeated measures, and Tukey's test as post-hoc and Students T test.

Results

Long-term therapy decreased depression and binge eating symptoms, body image dissatisfaction, and improved QOL in girls, whereas, for boys, 24 weeks, were effective to reduce anxiety trait/state and symptoms of binge eating, and to improve means of dimensions of QOL (p < .05).

Conclusion

A long-term multidisciplinary lifestyle therapy is effective to control psychological aspects and to improve QOL in obese adolescents.

Obesidade em pacientes candidatos a cirurgia bariátrica

OBJETIVO: Estudar a obesidade grau III ou grave, identificando o perfil demográfico, clínico e as doenças de maior ocorrência, em pacientes atendidos na consulta de enfermagem, candidatos a cirurgia bariátrica do Núcleo do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com análise dos registros em 252 prontuários dos pacientes atendidos no Programa de Cirurgia Bariátrica do Núcleo do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, entre 2004 a 2007. RESULTADOS: A prevalência crescente de sobrepeso e obesidade está associada a doenças crônicas relacionadas à dieta (comorbidades). Dos 252 pacientes atendidos 80,15% eram do sexo feminino; a média da idade foi de 36,07±10,16 anos; quanto à etnia 86,53% eram brancos, 8,57% pardos e 4,90% negros; houve predomínio das comorbidades: hipertensão arterial (63,49%), dispnéia (55,56%), varizes de membros inferiores (45,63%) e depressão (36,51%). CONCLUSÃO: observa-se que a doença de maior ocorrência na obesidade é a hipertensão arterial, devendo o paciente ser acompanhado por uma equipe multidisciplinar.

Caracterização socioeconômica, antropométrica e alimentar de obesos graves

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar pacientes obesos mórbidos atendidos em ambulatórios de cirurgia bariátrica da cidade de Fortaleza - CE, quanto a aspectos socioeconômicos, antropométricos e alimentares. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa do tipo exploratória, transversal e analítica, na qual foram entrevistados cinqüenta pacientes de dois ambulatórios públicos e um privado de cirurgia bariátrica, sendo 74% do sexo feminino e 26% do masculino, com uma idade média de 35 ± 8,6 anos, com renda média familiar de 4,69 ± 3,78 salários mínimos, no grupo atendido em instituição pública, e de 15,18 ± 12,63 nos obesos que procuraram clínica privada; 70% dos participantes tinham escolaridade igual ou superior ao ensino médio. O índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio foi de 47,5 ± 7,2 Kg/m². O padrão alimentar foi caracterizado por uma maioria consumindo dieta hipercalórica, hiperlipídica, hiperprotéica, hipoglicídica e elevado em colesterol e fibras dietéticas. Conclui-se que os pacientes possuem um padrão alimentar de risco para o agravamento da sua situação ponderal, necessitando de ações educativas intensificadas preparatórias para a cirurgia bariátrica.

Relação entre índice de massa corporal e a percepção da auto-imagem em universitários

OBJETIVO: Analisar as relações entre o índice de massa corporal e a autopercepção da imagem corporal. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 106 estudantes universitários, de ambos os sexos, maiores de 18 anos, na região de Ribeirão Preto, Estado de São Paulo, em 2003. Para avaliar a percepção da imagem corporal, utilizou-se uma escala de silhuetas e uma escala visual analógica; a primeira aplicada por dois métodos psicométricos distintos. Para a avaliação do componente subjetivo da imagem corporal foi aplicado um questionário sobre imagem corporal. A avaliação do estado nutricional considerou a classificação do índice de massa corporal. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste post-hoc de Newman-Keuls. RESULTADOS: A maioria das mulheres eutróficas ou com sobrepeso (87%) superestimaram seu tamanho corporal enquanto mulheres obesas e homens (73%), independente do índice de massa corporal, subestimaram o tamanho corporal. As diferenças devido a gênero foram estatisticamente significativas, bem como a insatisfação geral com a imagem corporal percebida, mostrado pelo desejo por menores valores do índice de massa corporal. As mulheres com sobrepeso apresentaram maior preocupação e desconforto com o corpo. CONCLUSÕES: Tanto homens como mulheres apresentaram distorção na autopercepção da imagem corporal, subestimando ou superestimando-a. Os resultados sugerem insatisfação com a imagem corporal, na medida em que desejam ter seus corpos mais magros.

Prevalência de compulsão alimentar entre universitárias de diferentes áreas de estudo

INTRODUÇÃO: A compulsão alimentar (CA) entre mulheres tem sido considerada fator de risco para o diagnóstico de transtornos alimentares mais graves. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a prevalência de CA entre universitárias e a sua associação com IMC (índice de massa corpórea) e idade. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram avaliadas 491 estudantes universitárias, com idade entre 17 e 55 anos, de três áreas de estudo (exatas, saúde e humanas) da Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), situada no município de São Leopoldo (RS). Para avaliar a freqüência de CA, utilizou-se o questionário auto-aplicável Escala de Compulsão Alimentar Periódica (ECAP). As medidas de peso e estatura foram auto-informadas. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de CA entre as universitárias estudadas foi de 18,1%. A freqüência de IMC > 25 kg/m² foi de 11,4%, e 75,8% delas apresentavam mais de 20 anos. Observou-se uma associação significativa entre IMC e CA no grupo geral, sendo que 54,5% das universitárias com excesso de peso ou obesidade apresentaram CA (p < 0,001), e a idade não foi associada com a presença de CA. Porém, na área da saúde, as estudantes com idade igual ou menor a 20 anos apresentaram maior freqüência de CA (p < 0,05), e, na área de humanas, o resultado foi inverso (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O questionário auto-aplicável ECAP revelou elevada prevalência de CA entre mulheres universitárias, mostrando associação com excesso de peso. Investigações futuras são necessárias, com o objetivo de confirmar esses resultados e avaliar a presença de outros transtornos alimentares.