The results indicate that many of the sexual problems in obese individuals are the result of an underlying lack of self-esteem, unsatisfactory relationships, or collective stigmatization of obese individuals. Binge eating, often found in morbidly obese patients, seems to be less the result of or compensation for sexual problems but is more likely to stem from other psychosocial or psychological problems.

Laparoscopic SAGB is an effective surgical treatment for morbid obesity. However, the consequences of excess and rapid weight loss for physical appearance are negative in many cases. Well-directed information about the consequences of excess weight loss before SAGB and the possibilities and limits of plastic surgery must be given preoperatively to offset high and often unrealistic expectations.

Objective The authors investigated the prevalence of binge eating behavior in a general female Austrian population. Method A random sample of 1,000 women (age range 15a to 85a) was interviewed by dieticians over the phone. Some screening instruments were used to detect binge eating behavior. Results Of the entire sample, 122 met the diagnostic criteria for binge eating, 84 for binge eating syndrome, and 33 for binge eating disorder (BED). The point prevalence of bulimia nervosa was 1.5%. Women with binge eating episodes carried out more frequently one or more diets within the previous year, and more frequently exhibited a restrained eating behavior than did women without binge eating behavior. Underweight women more often met the diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa nonpurging type than did normal weight, overweight, and obese women, while overweight and obese women more frequently met the diagnostic criteria for BED. Discussion Our findings indicate that binge eating appears to be a fairly common behavior in women. Dieting, chronic restrained eating, and excessive exercise may be important triggers for BED and bulimia nervosa. © 1999 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 25: 287–292, 1999.

Job conditions providing little opportunity to influence work pace and participation contribute to the development of burnout syndrome. Communication and contact with colleagues appear to be an important preventive regulative.

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