Psychosocial Functionality and Predictors in Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Obesity Medicine
• Psychosocial Health

Background:

• Obesity is a growing global health concern.
• Bariatric surgery is effective but prone to patient relapse.
• Pre-operative psychological state influences long-term success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess psychosocial functioning in patients before bariatric surgery.
• To identify predictors of psychosocial functioning.
• To inform interventions for better postoperative well-being.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 175 morbidly obese patients (94.3% BMI ≥40).
• Assessed psychosocial functioning using the Obesity-Related Problems Scale (OP-S).
• Evaluated depressive symptoms (BDI), self-esteem (RSES), body satisfaction (BSS), and disordered eating (EDE-Q).

Main Results:

• Over half of participants (51.4%) reported severe psychosocial problems (OP-S ≥60).
• Psychosocial problems significantly correlated with depressive symptoms (r=0.462), disordered eating (r=0.410), low self-esteem (r=-0.322), and poor body satisfaction (r=-0.240).
• Depressive and disordered eating symptoms were significant predictors of psychosocial functioning.

Conclusions:

• Depressive and disordered eating symptoms predict psychosocial functioning in bariatric candidates.
• Targeting these psychological factors via psychiatric evaluation can improve outcomes.
• Integrated, multidisciplinary care is crucial for sustained bariatric surgery success.