Influence of eating behaviors on dietary intake and quality of life among low-income bariatric surgery candidates: A preliminary study

Abstract

Dysfunctional eating behavior is common among candidates for bariatric surgery. However, the influence of eating behaviors on dietary intake and quality of life in the low-income population undergoing this kind of surgery is unclear. To evaluate the association between eating behavior, sociodemographic variables, quality of life, and eating habits of candidates for bariatric surgery. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Bariatric Surgery Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital of Sergipe with 42 severely obese patients. Socioeconomic and anthropometric data, food frequency, and eating behavior questionnaire (Binge Eating Scale - BES and the Three-factor Eating Questionnaire - TFEQ-21) were collected pre-surgery. Data of 42 patients were available with a mean age of 44.3 (SD 5.8) years, and the majority of them were female (73,81%). There was a significant association between emotional eating and marital status, with higher scores on the emotional eating scale observed among patients with a partner when compared to those without a partner (p = 0.01). Assessing the association between behavior and eating habits, positive correlations happened between higher BES scores and higher consumption of salty snacks (r = 0.47; p = 0.03), higher cognitive restriction scores, and higher consumption of vegetables (r = 0.46; p = 0.04). There was inverse correlation between higher emotional eating score and lower cereal consumption (r = − 0.59; p = 0.01), higher cognitive restriction score and lower emotional aspects score (r = − 0.45; p = 0.01). Analyzing the relationship between eating behavior and quality of life, patients with lower vitality scores showed a higher uncontrolled eating score (r = − 0.42; p = 0.03). The findings suggest there is an association between eating behavior, dietary habits, and the quality of life of patients. These results may bring more appropriate strategies to improve patients' health care, which is also essential for successful post-surgery outcomes. • Eating behavior is closely associated with how bariatric surgery candidates relate to food choices. • Uncontrolled eating was linked to lower vitality in severely patients with obesity. • Restrictive cognition was correlated with higher consumption of vegetables and lower emotional aspects scores. • There was a positive association between binge eating and a higher intake of salty snacks.