Translational aspects of body image research for obesity-related quality of life and weight loss maintenance post-bariatric surgery

Background: The Aim of the study was to examine obesity health-related quality of life and body image satisfaction in a group of individuals having undergone bariatric surgery. Methods: One hundred and forty-two persons who had undergone bariatric surgery answered an online survey which included measures of well-being and body image. The MBSRQ- AS 34 was used to assess body image in relation to Appearance Evaluation (AE), Appearance Orientation (AO), Overweight Preoccupation (OP), Self-Classified Weight (SCW), and Body Areas Satisfaction (BSS). Obesity-related quality of life was assessed with the Obesity Related Well-Being scale (Orwell 97). Results: Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that 50.2% of the variance in well-being post-surgery was explained by body image variables F(6,84)=18.54, p<.01), with the strongest predictor being satisfaction with body areas (B=-.360, p<.01). Regression analysis of the data for the group of patients who had received the vertical sleeve surgery was also significant, F(6,56)=10.16, p<.001) with satisfaction with different body areas being the best predictor of well-being (B=-.365, p<.05), followed by overweight preoccupation (B=.313, p<.05) and self-classified weight (B=.281, p<.05). Conclusions: Body image concerns are more important predictors for well-being post bariatric surgery than weight lost. Psychological factors such as the perception of body areas, continued weight preoccupation and self-classified weight rather an objective weight were better predictors of well-being, symptoms that impacted on well-being and on the subjective relevance of the symptoms to well-being. Recommendations for the translation of the present research findings for the surgical preparation of the bariatric patient and for post-surgery care are suggested.

Annals of Translational Medicine

Annals of Translational Medicine

8

2305-5847

N/A

Suppl 1

11