Effect on Quality of Life of the Changing Body Image of Individuals with Obesity Surgery

Abstract

Background and Objective: Obesity is a chronic and epidemic disease that negatively affects the quality of life (QoL) and body image. Bariatric surgery (BS) has increased the QoL and positive changes in body image with weight loss. This study was conducted to assess the effects of changing body image and QoL of individuals who have undergone BS because of morbid obesity. Methods: This prospective study included 91 consecutive participants with morbid obesity. Data were collected using questionnaire and the Short Form 36 for QoL, body image questionnaire, and at four follow-up times: pre-BS, the first day post-BS, first month, and third month. Results: The mean age of the participants was 37.08 years. Pre-BS average body mass index was 48.52, it decreased to 36.20 at the third month post-BS. The average scores of gender and body image were higher in men than those of women; that the body image changed positively as a result of weight loss at the third month, and accordingly, the QoL increased. In the linear regression analysis, body image and QoL were found to be significantly related to physical functioning (beta = 0.366, p = 0.000), role limitations because of physical health problems (beta = 0.322, p = 0.002), and role limitations because of emotional problems (beta = 0.404, p = 0.000). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the BS changed the body image of the individuals positively, and this change in the body image created a positive impact on the QoL in early time after BS.