Understanding the Determinants of Weight-Related Quality of Life among Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Abstract

Obesity and its relation to quality of life are multifaceted. The purpose of this paper was to contribute evidence to support a framework for understanding the impact of obesity on quality of life in 42 morbidly obese subjects considering a wide number of potential determinants. A model of weight-related quality of life (WRQL) was developed based on the Wilson-Cleary model, considering subjects' weight characteristics, arterial oxygen pressure (PaO(2)), walking capacity (6-minute walk test, 6MWT), health-related quality of life (HRQL; Physical and Mental Component Summaries of the SF-36 PCS/MCS), and WRQL. The model of WRQL was tested with linear regressions and a path analysis, which showed that as PaO(2) at rest increased 6MWT increased. 6MWT was positively associated with the PCS, which in turn was positively related to WRQL along with the MCS. The model showed good fit and explained 38% of the variance in WRQL.

Figure 1

The path to quality of life for morbidly obese men and women. The coefficients correspond to the regression coefficient.

Figure 2

Univariate regressions: (a) relationship between PaO₂ at rest and 6-minute walk test. (b) Relationship between 6-minute walk test and SF-36 Physical Component Summary. (c) In dashed line, the relationship between SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and IWQOL, and in solid line, the relationship between SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) and IWQOL.