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Observational Study
. 2022 Dec 7;17(12):e0276167.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276167. eCollection 2022.

Long-term changes in body image after bariatric surgery: An observational cohort study

Laurène Bosc  1 , Flore Mathias  1 , Maud Monsaingeon  1 , Caroline Gronnier  2   3 , Emilie Pupier  1 , Blandine Gatta-Cherifi  1   3   4
Affiliations
Observational Study

Long-term changes in body image after bariatric surgery: An observational cohort study

Laurène Bosc et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: While body image improves in the first few months after surgery, data on long-term changes in body image after bariatric surgery are scarce and contradictory.

Methods: We assessed body image through the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scale, which measures appearance evaluation and orientation, overweight preoccupation, and self-classified weight. Surveys were conducted before surgery and at regular intervals until 5 years after bariatric surgery.

Results: 61 patients were included in the study. No patients were lost to follow-up until 18 months after bariatric surgery. At 5 years, there were 21 patients (34%) lost to follow-up. We detected an overall improvement in body image until 12-18 months post-surgery. Scores declined after 5 years post-surgery but were still higher than preoperative evaluations. Overweight preoccupation did not change throughout the follow-up period. There was a positive correlation between body weight lost and appearance evaluation. There was also a positive correlation between weight loss and the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale. There was a negative correlation between weight loss and overweight preoccupation. Appearance orientation and self-classified weight were not correlated with weight loss.

Conclusions: Body image improved after bariatric surgery but was not maintained for all 5 years after surgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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