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Depression, binge eating disorder common among bariatric surgery candidates

Depression and binge eating disorder were the most common mental health conditions among individuals seeking or undergoing bariatric surgery, according to findings published in JAMA.

To determine prevalence of mental health conditions among bariatric surgery candidates and associations between bariatric surgery and mental health conditions, Aaron J. Dawes, MD, of the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of studies published from 1988 through 2015. Analysis included 59 studies on the prevalence of preoperative mental health conditions (n = 65,363) and 27 on associations between preoperative mental health and postoperative outcomes (n = 50,182).

Depression (19%; 95% CI, 14-25) and binge eating disorder (17%; 95% CI, 13-21) were the most common mental health conditions among individuals seeking and undergoing bariatric surgery.

Researchers found conflicting evidence regarding the association between preoperative mental health conditions and postoperative weight loss.

Depression and binge eating disorder were not consistently associated with differences in weight outcomes.

However, bariatric surgery was consistently associated with decreases in depression prevalence (8% to 74% decrease) and severity of depressive symptoms (40% to 70% decrease) following the procedure.

“Mental health conditions are common among patients seeking and undergoing bariatric surgery, particularly depression and binge eating disorder,” the researchers wrote. “There is inconsistent evidence regarding the association between preoperative mental health conditions and postoperative weight loss. Moderate-quality evidence supports an association between bariatric surgery and lower rates of depression postoperatively.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.