Association between binge eating disorder and changes in cognitive functioning following bariatric surgery

Abstract

Evidence suggests that both obesity and binge eating disorder (BED) may be associated with deficits in cognitive functioning. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a lifetime history of BED would be associated with changes in several domains of cognitive functioning (attention, executive function, language, and memory) following bariatric surgery. Participants were 68 bariatric surgery patients who completed a computerized battery of cognitive tests within 30 days prior to undergoing surgery and again at a 12-month postoperative follow-up. Results revealed that on the whole, participants displayed improvements from baseline to follow-up in attention, executive function, and memory, even after controlling for diagnostic history of depression; no changes were observed for language. However, individuals with and without a history of BED did not differ in changes in body mass index or in the degree of improvement in cognitive functioning from baseline to follow-up. Such results suggest that a history of BED does not influence changes in cognitive functioning following bariatric surgery. Future research will be needed to further clarify the role of BED in predicting cognitive function over time.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Prevalence and Correlates Pre- and Post-Bariatric Surgery: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

“…In their longitudinal study, Alfonsson et al [14] also found a significant reduction on the Attention subscale of the ADHD Self-Report Scale [17] for men, but not for women. The finding of a better attention and memory function in the post-surgery sample is in line with the results of longitudinal studies demonstrating improvements in cognitive functioning following bariatric surgery [18,19,41,42]. It is reasonable to assume that postoperative cognitive improvement in attention and memory might have impacted the self-report on the respective CAARS subscale, possibly by way of improved prefrontal top-down control.…”

The eating‐related behaviours, disorders and expectations of candidates for bariatric surgery

“…Lavender et al . found that candidates with a lifetime history of BED were more likely to also have a history of depression, but after controlling for depression found no difference in attention, executive function or language functioning related to lifetime BED status. Friedman et al .…”

Obesity in the Workplace

“…However, in contrast to expectations, BED and non-BED groups did not significantly differ in their respective degree of improvements over time. 108 In a recent study of patients with severe obesity, the surgery group (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) “had higher remission rates and lower incidence rates of hypertension and dyslipidemia than did nonsurgery group 1 (P<0.05 for all comparisons).” 109 In addition, “among the patients in the surgery group who had type 2 diabetes at baseline, type 2 diabetes remitted in 66 of 88 patients (75%) at 2 years, in 54 of 87 patients (62%) at 6 years, and in 43 of 84 patients (51%) at 12 years.” 109 …”