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. 2025 Jan;30(1):36-43.
doi: 10.17712/nsj.2025.1.20240023.

Prevalence and factors influencing eating disorders among post-bariatric surgery patients in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Saleh A Alghamdi  1 , Mohammed A Al Jaffer  1 , Renad A Almesned  1 , Sadeem D Alanazi  1 , Alanoud W Alhnake  1 , Shahad M Alkhammash  1 , Nuran M Baabbad  1
Affiliations

Prevalence and factors influencing eating disorders among post-bariatric surgery patients in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Saleh A Alghamdi et al. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the occurrence and contributing factors of disordered eating patterns in individuals post-bariatric surgery. It also investigated the impact of these patterns on weight loss outcomes and long-term weight management, focusing on psychological and emotional factors. Additionally, the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating patterns was explored.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across multiple medical centers in Saudi Arabia, using self-administered questionnaires to evaluate the prevalence of eating disorders and self-esteem among patients who underwent bariatric surgery in the past five years. Out of 557 respondents, 452 met the inclusion criteria.

Results: The study found that 21.5% of participants experienced psychological disorders post-surgery. Notably, there was a significant improvement in mean self-esteem scores after surgery. Depression was the most frequently reported disorder (12.4%), followed by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (9.3%) and Eating Disorders (4.6%). The mean Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale score increased significantly from 28.17±6.2 pre-surgery to 31.7±5.3 post-surgery (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings highlight a notable prevalence of psychological disorders among post-bariatric surgery patients, with depression being the most common. Despite this, significant improvements in self-esteem were observed. Understanding the psychological and emotional factors contributing to disordered eating patterns and body image dissatisfaction is crucial for improving long-term weight management and patient outcomes post-surgery.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
- Type of surgery performed.
Figure 2
Figure 2
- Frequencies of reported psychological disorders.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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