Psychosocial Predictors of Cognition in Bariatric Surgery

Obesity affects individuals worldwide and is currently the 5^th leading cause of death according to the WHO. Bariatric surgery is an effective strategy that produces durable long-term weight loss. There is a bidirectional interplay between mental health and obesity; with higher depression and anxiety in the obese population as well as significant effects on weight loss for people with mental health disorders.

Our cross-sectional study aimed to examine psychosocial predictors of cognition for the pre-operative bariatric surgery population and its effect on work productivity.

Demographic data, perceived cognitive deficits (PDQ-5), depression scale (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), Quality of life (SF36) and work impairment (LEAPS) was collected from 302 pre-operative bariatric surgery candidates at their initial assessment. Multiple regression was conducted with perceived cognitive deficits as the dependent variable. A secondary analysis was done controlling for anxiety and depression.

Variables that were significantly associated with perceived cognition were anxiety, depression, work productivity and overall mental health quality of life. Perceived cognition was also significantly associated with work impairment independent of mood symptoms.

Anxiety and depression are prevalent in the pre-operative bariatric surgery population, significantly affecting cognition, and should be routinely screened. Work performance was also affected by cognition in our population but the link between obesity and cognition needs to be further explored.

We identified a significant association between perceived cognition and psychosocial factors in pre-operative bariatric surgery candidates. Further studies will be needed to better explore obesity and its impact on cognition.