Prevention of eating disorders in obesity

Abstract

Obesity is a public health problem due to its high prevalence, high morbidity, and high mortality. The relationship between eating disorders (ED) and obesity is widely established.A healthcare professional that cares for people with obesity must take into account a series of best practices to minimize the risk of developing an ED in the course of treatment for weight loss.Bariatric surgery (BS) is an effective, long-term treatment in selected patients with severe obesity. During the preoperative period, it is essential to detect any ED due to its high prevalence in this group.After surgery, the presence of a post-op ED and its possible relationship in terms of poorer outcomes make screening during follow-up after surgery essential. From a preventive perspective, cognitive-behavioral therapy before BS could positively influence postoperative results, and its use after BS could improve weight loss efficacy and reduce binge eating and grazing.From a more holistic preventive perspective, many believe in an integrative approach to both obesity and ED. In order to be successful, it is essential to identify any relevant risk and protective factors for both disorders.

Obesidad y cirugía bariátrica: razones para integrar en su tratamiento al profesional de la psicología

“…Entonces si una persona, previo a la cirugía tiene TPA y no se le diagnostica oportunamente o se pasa por alto dicho diagnóstico, el patrón alimentario posquirúrgico puede provocar complicaciones específicas como ruptura en el sistema digestivo. Lo anterior no es consecuencia de una simple falta de adherencia terapéutica o no seguir instrucciones postquirúrgicas, ni de un cambio en el estilo de vida de los pacientes, ya que, al estar presente la psicopatología alimentaria, es obligatorio dar un tratamiento previo a la cirugía para atender dicho trastorno 5 . La terapia cognitivo conductual ha proporcionado evidencia científica de su efectividad en los trastornos alimentarios.…”