Shape discrepancy, weight bias internalization, and eating-disorder psychopathology in patients with loss-of-control eating after bariatric surgery

Abstract

Background: Postoperative loss-of-control (LOC) eating is associated with eating-disorder psychopathology, poorer weight loss, and mental health outcomes following bariatric surgery. The nature and significance of shape discrepancy has not been examined in patients with LOC eating following bariatric surgery. Objectives: To examine shape discrepancy, WBI (weight bias internalization) and ED (eating-disorder) psychopathology in patients with LOC eating after bariatric surgery. Setting: Yale University School of Medicine, United States. Methods: Participants (N = 148, 84.5% female) seeking treatment for eating and weight concerns and with recurrent LOC eating approximately 6 months after bariatric surgery were assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination-Bariatric Surgery Version Interview and completed questionnaires measuring WBI and depression. Participants selected body shapes representing their current and ideal shapes, and a shape discrepancy score was calculated. Results: Most participants (N = 142/148) reported an ideal shape smaller than their current shape; shape discrepancy scores ranged from 0 to 5 (M = 1.89, SD =.82). Greater shape discrepancy was significantly correlated with greater current body mass index (BMI; r =.271, p=