Eating behaviour patterns are associated with excessive weight gain after liver transplantation

• Published in: Journal of human nutrition and dietetics 2019-12, Vol.32 (6), p.693-701
• Main Authors: Ferreira, S. C., Penaforte, F. R. O., Cardoso, A. S. R., da Silva, M. V. T., Lima, A. S., Correia, M. I. T. D., Anastácio, L. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Body mass; Body mass index; Body size; Body weight; body weight change; Body weight gain; Cognitive ability; Diet; Eating; Eating behavior; eating behaviour; Liver; Liver transplantation; Liver transplants; Obesity; Overweight; Physical growth; Quartiles; Role models; Transplantation; Transplants & implants; weight gain
• ISSN: 0952-3871; 1365-277X
• DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12661

Background Weight gain and obesity are important issues in liver transplant (LTx) recipients. Although dietary habits are probably related to excessive weight gain after LTx, some studies have failed to demonstrate these associations. The present study aimed to assess eating behaviour and verify its association with weight gain and excessive weight among LTx recipients. Methods The investigation comprised a cross‐sectional study. Post‐LTx patients, aged >18 years were evaluated about their eating behaviour [Three Factor Eating Questionnaire–R21 (TFEQ‐R21)]. The scores of the TFEQ‐R21 [uncontrolled eating (UE), cognitive restraint (CR) and emotional eating (EE)] were determined. Excessive weight was classified as body mass index ≥25 kg/m² and obesity ≥30 kg/m². Results In total, 270 patients (age 58.0 years; range 20.0–77.0 years; 64.1% men) were assessed. Average weight gain was 8.0 kg (range −16.0 to 41.0 kg). Of the patients, 64.1% (n = 173) had excessive weight and 23.3% (n = 63) were obese. Post‐LTx weight gain was significantly correlated with UE (r = 0.311, P