The impact of bariatric surgery on quality of life: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

This study aims to review the obesity literature in order to assess the impact of bariatric surgery on quality of life and the between-study variation by examining the standardized mean magnitude of effect in change in the levels of quality of life. The following databases EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies examining change in quality of life in adults receiving bariatric surgery for obesity. Seventy-two studies were included with a total of 9,433 participants treated for obesity with bariatric surgery. The average impact of bariatric surgery on quality of life corresponded to an effect size of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.96), indicating that bariatric surgery has a significant positive influence on quality of life in general. The impact varied considerably across studies with bariatric surgery showing a significantly greater positive influence on physical quality of life compared to mental quality of life. Bariatric surgery is effective in improving quality of life, especially when looking at physical well-being. Greater focus on the psychological well-being of the person undergoing surgery for obesity may lead to a better post-surgery prognosis for more people.

Rapid Evidence Review of Bariatric Surgery in Super Obesity (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2)

“…1,2 Although bariatric surgery is well-established as an effective treatment for morbid obesity, questions remain regarding the balance of benefits and harms of bariatric surgery in patients with the highest levels of obesity. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Studies consistently show associations between increasing BMI and lower odds of successful weight loss and higher risk of morbidity and mortality after surgery. 10,[12][13][14][15] Potential surgical risk factors for poorer outcomes include the association between super obesity and greater prevalence of comorbid health conditions and greater technical and resource challenges.…”

Obesity Education Strategies for Cancer Prevention in Women’s Health

“…In addition to lowering all-cause mortality, bariatric surgery also improves cardiovascular and endocrine physiology resulting in fewer cardiovascular and diabetic complications [88–94]. Quality of life was also improved with bariatric surgery versus non-surgical management [88, 95]. Average weight loss ranges from 15–32%, depending on the type of bariatric surgery.…”

Bariatric Surgery in Youth

“…37 Studies evaluating health-related quality of life find decreased physical, emotional, and social satisfaction with 30% of obese youth meeting criteria for clinically significant depressive symptoms. 38,39 Studies show that health-related quality of life among obese adolescents may be indistinguishable from that of children with cancer. 40 Obese youth may also suffer from alienation from peers, distorted body image, anxiety, and a poor ability to formulate healthy, supportive relationships.…”