Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Obesity Surgery 8/2021

01-08-2021 | Obesity | Original Contributions

Examining Weight Bias and Loss-of-Control Eating among Individuals Seeking Bariatric Surgery

Authors: Jessica L. Lawson, Leslie M. Schuh, David B. Creel, Rebecca M. Blackinton, Stefanie A. Giambrone, Carlos M. Grilo, Valentina Ivezaj

Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 8/2021

Login to get access

Abstract

Objective

Externalized weight bias (EWB), directed towards others, and internalized weight bias (IWB), directed towards the self, are thought to exacerbate obesity and disordered eating and may be important factors to assess and understand among individuals seeking bariatric surgery. This study examined clinical correlates (pre-surgical BMI, depressive symptoms, weight self-efficacy, and shape/weight overvaluation) of both EWB and IWB among individuals presenting for bariatric surgery with and without regular loss-of-control eating (LOC eating).

Methods

A total of 316 adults presenting for bariatric surgery completed established self-report measures to assess EWB, IWB, depressive symptoms, weight self-efficacy, and core symptoms of disordered eating including LOC eating and overvaluation of shape/weight.

Results

IWB and EWB were not associated with pre-surgical BMI, age, or sex, but were both significantly higher among White than non-White participants. Adjusting for race, IWB and EWB were significantly associated with greater eating disorder psychopathology and depressive symptoms and with less weight-related self-efficacy. Participants who endorsed regular LOC eating (53.5% of the sample) endorsed significantly lower weight self-efficacy and higher IWB, EWB, depressive symptoms, and overvaluation of shape/weight.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that regular LOC eating is common among individuals seeking bariatric surgery and associated with a range of heightened eating disorder and psychosocial concerns including both IWB and EWB. Future research exploring the longitudinal significance of the relationship between these two forms of weight bias and LOC eating is indicated.
Literature
26.
go back to reference Devlin MJ, King WC, Kalarchian MA, Hinerman A, Marcus MD, Yanovski SZ, et al. Eating pathology and associations with long-term changes in weight and quality of life in the longitudinal assessment of bariatric surgery study. Int J Eat Disord. 2018. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22979. Devlin MJ, King WC, Kalarchian MA, Hinerman A, Marcus MD, Yanovski SZ, et al. Eating pathology and associations with long-term changes in weight and quality of life in the longitudinal assessment of bariatric surgery study. Int J Eat Disord. 2018. doi: https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​eat.​22979.
39.
go back to reference Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606–13.CrossRef Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606–13.CrossRef
42.
go back to reference Ivezaj V, Wiedemann AA, Grilo CM. Overvaluation of weight or shape and loss-of-control eating following bariatric surgery. Obesity. 2019;27(8):1239–43.CrossRef Ivezaj V, Wiedemann AA, Grilo CM. Overvaluation of weight or shape and loss-of-control eating following bariatric surgery. Obesity. 2019;27(8):1239–43.CrossRef
47.
go back to reference Association AP. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.CrossRef Association AP. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.CrossRef
57.
go back to reference Cochran WG. Planning and analysis of observational studies: John Wiley & Sons; 2009. Cochran WG. Planning and analysis of observational studies: John Wiley & Sons; 2009.
58.
go back to reference Grilo CM, Sanislow CA, Shea MT, et al. Two-year prospective naturalistic study of remission from major depressive disorder as a function of personality disorder comorbidity. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2005;73(1):78–85.CrossRef Grilo CM, Sanislow CA, Shea MT, et al. Two-year prospective naturalistic study of remission from major depressive disorder as a function of personality disorder comorbidity. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2005;73(1):78–85.CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Examining Weight Bias and Loss-of-Control Eating among Individuals Seeking Bariatric Surgery
Authors
Jessica L. Lawson
Leslie M. Schuh
David B. Creel
Rebecca M. Blackinton
Stefanie A. Giambrone
Carlos M. Grilo
Valentina Ivezaj
Publication date
01-08-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Obesity Surgery / Issue 8/2021
Print ISSN: 0960-8923
Electronic ISSN: 1708-0428
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-021-05418-6

Other articles of this Issue 8/2021

Obesity Surgery 8/2021 Go to the issue