Psychological correlates of obese patients seeking surgical or residential behavioral weight loss treatment.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the psychological factors related to obese individuals self-selecting for either a residential cognitive-behavioral-based program or surgical treatment program for weight loss.


METHODS
Two patient samples with a body mass index of > or =35 kg/m(2) were administered a battery of psychological questionnaires, including the Beck Depression Inventory, Binge Eating Scale, and Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite, at the evaluation for entry into either a surgical weight loss treatment program (n = 76) or cognitive-behavioral-based weight loss treatment program (n = 101).


RESULTS
No significant difference was found in the mean body mass index of the 2 samples. No significant difference was found in the self-reported level of depressive symptoms of the 2 samples, with both samples obtaining a mean depressive symptom score in the mild range. Surgical treatment seekers, however, reported significantly greater emotional eating and attributed greater impairment in their quality of life to their weight.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals seeking a surgical approach to weight loss might perceive their weight as having a greater negative impact on their life than those selecting a residential behavioral lifestyle change approach, even when their weight and depressive symptoms are equivalent. Therefore, an individual's own cognitive appraisal of the negative consequences of their weight might correlate with their treatment choice.
Stout
Anna L
AL
Structure House, Center for Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA. Annas@structurehouse.com
Applegate
Katherine L
KL
Friedman
Kelli E
KE
Grant
John P
JP
Musante
Gerard J
GJ
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000523:psychology*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002032:Bulimia / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life