Bariatric and Cosmetic Surgery in People with Eating Disorders

Rates of eating disorders (EDs) are increasing in Australia, as are rates of bariatric and cosmetic surgery including weight-related procedures. It is known that binge eating disorder (BED) is common in bariatric surgery candidates and that people with EDs are likely to undergo weight-related cosmetic procedures, however, most of the literature is based on clinic samples and focuses on young women and BED. Aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of (1) actual or intended bariatric surgery and (2) actual or intended cosmetic surgery including weight-related procedures in people with a current ED and a lifetime history of BED or bulimia nervosa (BN), and the associations with actual or intended bariatric or cosmetic surgery and demographic features. Using a general population survey, 2977 individuals were interviewed regarding sociodemographic status, ED symptoms, mental health-related quality of life (MHRQoL) and actual or intended use of bariatric and cosmetic surgery, prevalence estimates of which were 2.0% and 1.1%, respectively. People who had planned or received either type of surgery were more likely to be (1) women and (2) have a higher BMI, (3) poorer MHRQoL and (4) a current ED, lifetime BN or BED or features of EDs (all p < 0.05). Age and household income were not significantly associated with increased use of either type of surgery. Given the potential for an ED to affect outcomes of surgery, screening and treatment for EDs should be considered in such surgical candidates.