Disordered eating behavior and dietary intake prior to metabolic and bariatric surgery

Background: Disordered eating is a concern for patients seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), but little is known about how these behaviors are reflected in typical dietary intake prior to surgery.

Objectives: This study examined the relationships between disordered eating behavior and the content and context of typical dietary intake among patients seeking MBS using an innovative combination of rigorous self-report and interview assessments.

Setting: Participants were recruited from two academic medical centers in the United States.

Methods: Adults were enrolled prior to MBS. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination-Bariatric Surgery Version (EDE-BSV) and then reported details of their dietary intake for three consecutive days using a validated 24-hour dietary recall system.

Results: Among the sample (n = 140), objective overeating (OOE) was prevalent and related to greater daily energy and macronutrient intake. Individuals engaging in recurrent OOE were also more likely to consume meals past 8 pm Findings failed to identify significant associations between other disordered eating behaviors, such as objective binge eating (OBE), and contextual factors related to dietary intake.

Conclusions: The timing of eating may play a greater role in recurrent overeating than social and physical aspects of the environment. Individuals reporting frequent OOE before MBS may benefit from targeted education and intervention aimed at reducing OOE and subsequently promoting better adherence to dietary recommendations.