Long-term changes in body image after bariatric surgery: An observational cohort study

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Psychology
• Body Image Research

Background:

• Long-term body image changes after bariatric surgery are not well-documented.
• Existing data on post-bariatric surgery body image is limited and conflicting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate long-term changes in body image up to five years after bariatric surgery.
• To assess the relationship between weight loss and various aspects of body image.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale and Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scale.
• Collected data pre-surgery and at regular intervals up to five years post-surgery.
• Included 61 patients, with 34% lost to follow-up by year five.

Main Results:

• Body image improved significantly up to 12-18 months post-surgery, then declined but remained above baseline at five years.
• Overweight preoccupation showed no significant change throughout the five-year follow-up.
• Greater weight loss positively correlated with improved appearance evaluation and body area satisfaction, but not with appearance orientation or self-classified weight.

Conclusions:

• Bariatric surgery leads to initial improvements in body image.
• These body image improvements are not consistently maintained five years after surgery.