Biomedical subjects

Ronna Saunders

Publications and source records attributed to Ronna Saunders.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Gender and binge eating among bariatric surgery candidates.

Bariatric surgery is an increasingly popular treatment for severe obesity. However, while rates of obesity are comparable across genders, women are much more likely to undergo bariatric surgery. Little research exists on gender differences among bariatric surgery candidates. This study examined gender differences and their correlates within a sample of 487 patients presenting for bariatric surgery. Results indicated that women were more depressed than men, dieted more, and were more likely to report that their weight interfered with feeling good about themselves. There were no differences in BED rates or binge eating. Furthermore, among women, both depression and self-esteem were associated with binge eating symptomatology. However, among men, only depression contributed to binge eating scores. These findings provide evidence for the significance of binge eating and depression among both male and female bariatric surgery candidates.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Binge eating among African American and Caucasian bariatric surgery candidates.

Bariatric surgery is an increasingly utilized treatment for severe obesity, especially among women. Although African American women have high rates of severe obesity, most research investigating psychological correlates of obesity has been conducted with Caucasians. This study examined the characteristics of African American women seeking bariatric surgery, and ethnic differences in BED rates and correlates of binge eating. Finally, we examined whether the association between psychological factors associated with binge eating was moderated by ethnicity. Results indicated that African American women had higher BMIs, higher self esteem, and less depression than Caucasians. There were no differences in rates of binge eating or BED. Both depression and self esteem accounted for unique variance in binge eating; however, these relationships were not moderated by ethnicity. These results further highlight African Americans' vulnerability to EDs, and suggest that depression and low self esteem are equally relevant to binge eating in African American and Caucasian women.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Post-surgery group therapy for gastric bypass patients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of both compulsive eating patterns (bingeing and "grazing") and psychosocial distress and/or psychiatric co-morbidity in patients seeking bariatric surgery has been documented. While surgery is often seen as the solution, research has shown that these problems can persist postoperatively and may adversely affect outcome. This paper will describe a postoperative psychotherapy group process designed specifically for gastric bypass patients. METHODS: A semi-structured cognitive-behavioral group therapy program adapted from a treatment program for compulsive eaters was designed for patients who had been identified (by questionnaire and clinical interview) as having compulsive eating problems before surgery. Therapy addresses eating patterns as well as the emotional adjustments following surgery. RESULTS: 16 12-week therapy groups have been conducted to date. The groups are small and designed to help patients understand the stages of postoperative adjustment and the tasks, both eating-related and psychological, associated with each stage. Feedback from participants has been very positive with patients reporting the need for a therapy group in addition to the traditional support group. CONCLUSION: Since both disturbed eating patterns and psychological difficulties are seen following surgery, it is imperative that treatment programs be developed to address these issues. The group process is a highly effective intervention but must be designed for the special needs of these patients. Measures of success need to take psycho-social factors into account as well as eating behaviors and weight loss. Outcome studies are needed to compare those receiving treatment vs those who do not.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗

PubMed2004

"Grazing": a high-risk behavior.

BACKGROUND: Gastric bypass patients with a range of disturbed eating patterns before surgery may be at risk of returning to old patterns postoperatively. Recent research has shown that binge eating is common among the obese before surgery as well as in the postoperative maintenance phase and appears to be linked to poorer outcome. Although "grazing" behavior has not been specifically studied, it is also a high-risk pattern. This paper is a descriptive investigation summarizing postoperative eating patterns in a group of patients. METHODS: Patients completed self-report questionnaires before surgery and were seen for a preoperative mental health evaluation with particular focus on assessing eating patterns. Patients with high-risk eating patterns, both binge eating and "grazing", were identified, invited to attend a post-surgery therapy group, and were given additional follow-up questionnaires regarding postoperative eating patterns. RESULTS: Consistent with recent studies, many high-risk patients reported recurrent loss of control over eating and, in some cases, subsequent weight gain. Although no longer able to eat large amounts, "grazing" became a more common pattern, appearing >or=6 months following surgery. CONCLUSION: Different forms of overeating need to be assessed in this population, focusing on the subjective loss of control rather than on the quantity consumed. Although many patients do not meet strict criteria for binge eating disorder before surgery, these "grazers" are also high-risk. Former binge eaters often turn into "grazers" following surgery. Interventions are needed for at-risk patients.

Feeding Behavior↗