The Relationship between (binge) Eating and Identity Issues in Pre-bariatric Patients

Obesity is associated with high levels of psychopathology, especially among those who engage in binge eating. Patients with binge eating also report poorer long term outcomes after bariatric surgery than patients without binge eating. However, the mechanisms underlying binge eating need further investigation. The present study investigates the relationship between identity issues and the functionality of (binge) eating behaviors in bariatric surgery candidates. Results showed that pre-bariatric patients who engage in binge eating scored higher on identity confusion compared to patients without binge eating, but no difference was found for identity synthesis. Concerning the relationship between the functions of eating and identity processes, we found a positive relationship between identity confusion and external and emotional eating in patients with binge eating, but no significant relationships were found for identity synthesis. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.