An Explorative Cross-Sectional Study Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to Assess How Food Insecurity Impacts...

Area of Science:

• Obesity Medicine
• Bariatric Surgery
• Nutritional Psychiatry

Background:

• Food insecurity, characterized by limited food access, is poorly understood in patients with obesity.
• The link between food insecurity and eating-related (ER) experiences in this population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between food insecurity and ER behaviors, distress, and symptoms in patients evaluated for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS).
• To hypothesize that food insecurity negatively impacts ER experiences in patients considering MBS.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving patients undergoing evaluation for MBS.
• Utilized a validated two-question food insecurity screen and the BODY-Q ER modules to assess ER behaviors, distress, and symptoms.
• Compared average BODY-Q scores between food-insecure and food-secure patients using independent sample t-tests.

Main Results:

• Out of 818 completed surveys, 21.3% of patients reported food insecurity.
• No significant difference was observed in ER behavior between groups.
• Patients with food insecurity reported significantly higher levels of ER distress and ER symptoms (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Food insecurity is prevalent (21%) among patients considering MBS and is linked to heightened ER distress and symptoms.
• Screening for food insecurity is crucial for identifying patients at risk of ER emotional distress and negative physical symptoms.
• Early dietary and psychological interventions may improve outcomes for high-risk patients.