Analysis of the effect of weight loss through bariatric surgery on depression

Abstract

Bariatric surgery results in significant improvement in health related quality of life and depressive symptoms irrespective of the wide range of weight change. This experiment was planned to assess the incidence of depression in obese respondents and to analyse the change in depression after weight loss through bariatric surgery.To analyse the incidence of depression in obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery and the significance of change in depression status after weight loss.The study was conducted in a multispecialty hospital having obesity clinic and bariatric surgery unit. The depression level before the study and at six months post surgery was assessed using a standard tool named Beck’s inventory. Study period was from 2015 to 2017.Respondents having BMI of 33-50 Kg/m belonging to both the genders in the age range of 18-65 years. The respondents having BMI more than 50Kg/m were excluded in this study.18 respondents who underwent bariatric surgery were included in the study. Percentage distribution, Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and Paired t test were the tools utilised in statistical analysis of the data.Schedule to assess change in nutritional status using a structured questionnaire considering anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and dietary parameters, and standard tool named Beck’s Depression Inventory, which is a tool for depression status. The surgery patients had initial Beck Score ranging from 1 to 14 indicating mild depression which on follow up reduced to 0 to 7. The weight loss in both genders were similar to each other. The change in intake of nutrients and the scores of depression were more prominent in men than that of women. Respondents pre operatively had mild mood disturbances which after weight loss, became a normal mood.Thus it can be concluded that weight loss through bariatric surgery is effective in reducing depression.