Psychological outcome 4 years after restrictive bariatric surgery

Area of Science:

• Bariatric surgery outcomes
• Psychological impact of obesity treatment
• Long-term health effects of weight loss

Background:

• Extreme obesity presents significant psychiatric and somatic comorbidities.
• Bariatric surgery is effective for weight loss and obesity-related illnesses.
• Long-term psychological effects of bariatric surgery require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term relationship between weight changes and psychological variables after bariatric surgery.
• To evaluate depression, anxiety, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and self-esteem up to 4 years post-surgery.
• To understand the sustained impact of bariatric procedures on mental well-being.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 148 patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
• Standardized questionnaires administered pre-surgery (T1) and at 1 (T2), 2 (T3), and 4 years (T4) post-surgery.
• Assessment of weight loss, depressive symptoms, anxiety, HRQOL, and self-esteem.

Main Results:

• Average weight loss of 24.6% at 1 year, maintained at 22.3% by 4 years.
• Significant improvements in depression, physical HRQOL, and self-esteem observed, peaking at 1 year and largely sustained.
• Correlations found between weight loss and improvements in depression, physical HRQOL, and self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• Bariatric surgery leads to significant, lasting improvements in key psychological health aspects.
• Weight regain over time may correlate with a gradual, non-significant decline in psychological benefits.
• Long-term monitoring of psychological status is crucial following bariatric interventions.