Gender and binge eating among bariatric surgery candidates

Bariatric surgery is an increasingly popular treatment for severe obesity. However, while rates of obesity are comparable across genders, women are much more likely to undergo bariatric surgery. Little research exists on gender differences among bariatric surgery candidates. This study examined gender differences and their correlates within a sample of 487 patients presenting for bariatric surgery. Results indicated that women were more depressed than men, dieted more, and were more likely to report that their weight interfered with feeling good about themselves. There were no differences in BED rates or binge eating. Furthermore, among women, both depression and self-esteem were associated with binge eating symptomatology. However, among men, only depression contributed to binge eating scores. These findings provide evidence for the significance of binge eating and depression among both male and female bariatric surgery candidates.