An examination of factors that contribute to binge eating among bariatric patients

Abstract

Binge eating is the most common eating disorder among individuals presenting for bariatric surgery. The majority of patients with pre-surgical binge eating experience a short-term reduction in binge eating symptoms following surgery. However, binge eating symptoms can re-emerge. This quantitative study examined variables related to and predictive of binge eating within the bariatric patient population. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to determine whether daily hassles, uplifts, depression, pre-surgical binge eating, time since surgery, and weight regain were predictors of binge eating within the bariatric patient population. One hundred and twenty-six participants completed either an electronic or paper version of the demographic and health history questionnaire, the Binge Eating Scale (BES), and the Combined Hassles and Uplifts (CHUS). A Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression were used to analyze the data. The results of the two-tailed Pearson correlation revealed a positive relationship between BES scores and the frequency and severity of hassles. A negative relationship between BES scores and the intensity of uplifts was also identified. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed weight regain, hassles severity, pre-surgical binge eating, and uplifts intensity were significant predictors of binge eating. The results of this study indicate the need for binge eating treatment before and after bariatric surgery. The findings for this study offer implications for the counseling profession and other professionals who work with the bariatric patient population.