The relationship of presurgical Personality Assessment Inventory scales to BMI following bariatric surgery.

Abstract

Notwithstanding the efficacy of bariatric surgery in reducing the negative sequelae of obesity, psychological factors may play a significant role in long-term weight maintenance following surgery. Previous research on these factors has shown mixed outcomes, indicating the need for further study in samples undergoing bariatric surgery. This study evaluated archival data for 194 patients from a single-payer system for a 60-month period following bariatric surgery to examine how presurgical scores on the Personality Assessment Inventory predict body mass index (BMI) over time. Follow-up data was available on 97% of these patients at 12 months and 62% of these patients at 60 months. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to predict BMI based on demographic and psychopathology factors using linear and nonlinear coefficients while controlling for initial BMI. Results showed that Personality Assessment Inventory scales assessing anxiety-related disorders, mania, and alcohol problems showed a relationship to BMI outcomes over time. Contrary to expectations, moderate elevations on anxiety-related disorders and mania were associated with a greater initial linear trend for BMI decrease, with a steeper slope for weight regain after approximately 3 years. Patients endorsing any scores above the minimum on the alcohol problems scale showed poorer BMI outcomes. This study extends previous research on psychological factors and weight outcomes over time among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. In contrast to a focus on clinical elevations when using broadband measures of psychopathology, these results suggest a more nuanced pattern of weight loss and subsequent regain associated with certain subclinical elevations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).