Examining Weight Bias and Loss-of-Control Eating among Individuals Seeking Bariatric Surgery

Externalized weight bias (EWB), directed towards others, and internalized weight bias (IWB), directed towards the self, are thought to exacerbate obesity and disordered eating and may be important factors to assess and understand among individuals seeking bariatric surgery. This study examined clinical correlates (pre-surgical BMI, depressive symptoms, weight self-efficacy, and shape/weight overvaluation) of both EWB and IWB among individuals presenting for bariatric surgery with and without regular loss-of-control eating (LOC eating).

A total of 316 adults presenting for bariatric surgery completed established self-report measures to assess EWB, IWB, depressive symptoms, weight self-efficacy, and core symptoms of disordered eating including LOC eating and overvaluation of shape/weight.

IWB and EWB were not associated with pre-surgical BMI, age, or sex, but were both significantly higher among White than non-White participants. Adjusting for race, IWB and EWB were significantly associated with greater eating disorder psychopathology and depressive symptoms and with less weight-related self-efficacy. Participants who endorsed regular LOC eating (53.5% of the sample) endorsed significantly lower weight self-efficacy and higher IWB, EWB, depressive symptoms, and overvaluation of shape/weight.

Findings suggest that regular LOC eating is common among individuals seeking bariatric surgery and associated with a range of heightened eating disorder and psychosocial concerns including both IWB and EWB. Future research exploring the longitudinal significance of the relationship between these two forms of weight bias and LOC eating is indicated.