CBC Psychology of Obesity Questions and Answers

Question 1

A bariatric counselor is working with a patient who reports frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food after their evening meal and waking up at night to eat, at least three times a week. The patient expresses significant distress about this behavior. Which of the following psychological conditions is most likely indicated?

Accepted Answer

Night Eating Syndrome (NES)

Answer

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is characterized by a delayed pattern of food intake, with recurrent episodes of nocturnal eating or excessive food consumption after the evening meal. The patient's report of eating after the evening meal and waking to eat, combined with distress, aligns with the core diagnostic criteria for NES. While BED involves binge eating, it does not necessarily have the specific time pattern of occurring late at night that is characteristic of NES.

Question 2

A post-bariatric surgery patient has achieved significant weight loss but expresses extreme dissatisfaction with their appearance, focusing on loose skin. They report avoiding social situations and feeling that the surgery was a 'failure' despite medical improvements. This scenario PRIMARILY illustrates the complex psychological issue of:

Accepted Answer

Body image dissatisfaction

Answer

Despite significant weight loss, many post-bariatric surgery patients experience body image dissatisfaction, often related to issues like excess or loose skin. This can lead to disappointment and frustration, as the patient's mental construct of their body does not change as rapidly as their physical body. Their feelings of failure and social avoidance are classic manifestations of this issue, which is distinct from anxiety, addiction transfer, or simple non-compliance.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary goal of using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with bariatric patients?

Accepted Answer

To modify dysfunctional eating behaviors and cognitive distortions related to food and body image.

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established psychological treatment for obesity and related eating disorders. Its primary goal is to help patients identify and change unhealthy eating behaviors and the negative thought patterns (cognitive distortions) that drive them, such as unrealistic weight goals and poor body image.

Question 4

A pre-surgical bariatric candidate tells their counselor, 'Everyone who is overweight is lazy and lacks willpower. I'm just like them, which is why I've never been able to lose weight on my own.' This statement is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Internalized weight stigma

Answer

Internalized weight stigma occurs when individuals apply negative, weight-based stereotypes to themselves. The patient is expressing a belief in the negative stereotype that people with obesity are 'lazy' and is applying it to their own self-concept, which can lead to psychological distress and undermine health behaviors.

Question 5

Which psychological factor is often described as having a bidirectional relationship with obesity, meaning it can be both a cause and a consequence of weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Research consistently shows a bidirectional link between depression and obesity. Depression can lead to weight gain through emotional eating and reduced physical activity, while obesity can increase the risk of developing depression due to factors like weight stigma, poor body image, and reduced quality of life.

(CBC) Certified Bariatric Counselor Practice Test

(CBC) Certified Bariatric Counselor Practice Test

CBC Psychology of Obesity Questions and Answers