The Relationship between Birth Order, Obesity, and Bariatric Surgery: Preliminary Data Analysis
by Sabrina Krum, MS; Cynthia Alexander, PsyD; and Craig Marker, PhD
Bariatric Times. 2009;6(12):8–10
Background:
This study examines the effect of birth order in a family of four or more on obesity and how birth order may relate to those pursuing bariatric surgery.
Methods:
Preliminary data analysis was performed on patients who requested bariatric surgery from a hospital in South Florida. Patients who identified that they came from families with four or more children during routine interviews with the staff psychologist during presurgery evaluation were selected. Patients who came from blended families or who were adopted were not included in the study. A total of 82 patients were selected from a database of individuals requesting bariatric surgery for the study.
Results:
Sixty-three percent of the patients selected for the study were either the oldest or youngest in a family of four or more. A chi-square analysis was conducted, which indicated there was a significant relationship between birth order and the likelihood of opting for bariatric surgery. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that the oldest or youngest individual in a family of four or more is more likely to pursue bariatric surgery to manage his or her weight. Parenting style, parental resources, and personality factors all may influence the prevalence of obesity and the likelihood of choosing bariatric surgery as a treatment option.
Conclusions
In summary, this study helps to expand the research concerning those that seek bariatric surgery for help managing their weight. Genetic and environmental characteristics are risk factors for obesity, but parental and sibling factors may also influence the prevalence of obesity and the choice to choose bariatric surgery to manage weight. The results from this study indicate that there may be a connection between birth order and individuals seeking bariatric surgery. The connection leads us to believe that the parenting style and parental resources may have an effect on establishing food preferences and availability of the food with children in the home. The different parenting styles may encourage or discourage a child from eating healthy versus nonhealthy foods and their engagement in physical activity. Additionally, personality factors based on one’s birth order may affect the desire to proactively ask for help with managing obesity by seeking surgery. With further inquiry into this topic, and identifying potential risk factors, it may be possible to design interventions to decrease the prevalence of obesity.
