Addictive personality and maladaptive eating behaviors in adults seeking bariatric surgery

This study examined the relationship between addictive personality and maladaptive eating behaviors in bariatric surgery candidates. Ninety-seven bariatric surgery candidates completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R) Addiction Scale, the Overeating Questionnaire (OQ), binge-eating questions from the Questionnaire of Eating and Weight Patterns (QEWP-R), and the Eating Attitudes and Behaviors Questionnaire. Participants with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) displayed addictive personality scores comparable to individuals addicted to substances (M = 17.5, SD = 5.3). Addictive personality was associated with Overeating (r = .45, p < .001), Cravings (r = .31, p = .005), Affective Disturbances (r = .62, p < .001) and Social Isolation (r = .53, p < .001). Addictive personality was associated with maladaptive eating behaviors, suggesting the potential for addictive eating.

► We examine addictive personality and eating in bariatric surgery patients.
► Patients with binge eating disorder display addictive personalities.
► Addictive personality relates to maladaptive eating behaviors in this population.