Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Depression in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of NHANES 2015-2018

The relationship between Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) and depression remains unclear, with some studies suggesting mental health improvements while others report persistent or worsening symptoms.

This study aims to explore the relationship between MBS (MBS) and depression.

Using NHANES 2015-2018 data, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 7,678 adults to examine the association between MBS and depression (measured by PHQ-9 scores). Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and health-related confounders.

Individuals with a history of MBS had higher unadjusted depression scores compared to those without surgery. However, after full adjustment for confounding factors, the association was no longer statistically significant (β = 1.03, p = 0.06). Subgroup analyses suggested that low-income individuals who had undergone MBS had significantly higher depression scores compared to their non-surgery counterparts (β = 4.19, p = 0.002), while no significant differences were observed in other subgroups.

MBS was not independently associated with depression in the general population after adjustment for confounders. However, socioeconomic factors may influence post-surgical mental health outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted psychological support.