The influence of an individual's weight perception on the acceptance of bariatric surgery

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed the proportion of US adults with excess weight and obesity who consider bariatric surgery to be appropriate for themselves and how their own weight perception influences this consideration. Methods: A stratified sample of 920 US adults in June 2014 was obtained through an online survey. The respondents were queried about bariatric surgery acceptability and personal weight perception. Average body mass index (BMI) was determined for each demographic variable, and responses were characterized according to BMI and concordance with perceived weight status. Chi-square analyses served to assess perceived weight concordance in relation to bariatric acceptance. Results: Only 32% of respondents with Class III obesity indicated that bariatric surgery would be an acceptable option for them, most often because they considered it to be too risky. Respondents with Class III obesity and concordant perception of weight status were more likely (P < 0.03) than discordant Class III respondents to accept bariatric surgery. Likewise, concordant respondents with excess weight, but not obesity, were more likely (P < 0.001) to correctly consider bariatric surgery to be inappropriate for them. Conclusions: Despite good safety and efficacy, many persons still believe bariatric surgery is too risky. Weight perception concordance or discordance influences one's decision to consider this treatment option.

Elipse™, a Procedureless Gastric Balloon for Weight Loss: a Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study

“…Bariatric surgery is currently not offered to overweight individuals, and when it is indicated in obese individuals, only 1-2 % of patients go on to have surgery [1]. Most patients cite fear of complications as the reason for not opting for surgery [1].…”

“…Bariatric surgery is currently not offered to overweight individuals, and when it is indicated in obese individuals, only 1-2 % of patients go on to have surgery [1]. Most patients cite fear of complications as the reason for not opting for surgery [1]. Several endoscopic weight loss devices are either commercially available or under development to serve as alternatives to surgery in obese patients or to augment diet and exercise interventions in overweight patients [2].…”

Impact of self‐efficacy on risk aversion in the context of surgical weight loss decision scenarios

“…In clinical practice, adding a measure of weight loss self‐efficacy within patient assessments could identify those eligible patients who are most likely to adopt bariatric surgery. In addition, a focus on shared decision‐making could optimize appropriate interventions while bolstering patients' weight loss self‐efficacy, particularly in relation to post‐surgical success as well …”

“…In addition, a focus on shared decisionmaking could optimize appropriate interventions while bolstering patients' weight loss self-efficacy, particularly in relation to postsurgical success as well. [26][27][28] This study suggests that weight loss self-efficacy is an important predictor for risk perceptions of bariatric surgery outcomes. It is also important to consider if the severity of obesity itself was a factor in participants' calculation of their willingness to take risk.…”

Managing Obesity: Scaling the Pyramid to Success

“…3 Recognizing the health risks of obesity is a key factor in seeking treatment, particularly in individuals with severe obesity. 4 But often, the perceived risks of bariatric surgery are inflated, undervaluing the proven benefits. The superiority of bariatric operations compared with lifestyle interventions for their respective effects on weight and diabetes are proven, with mortality rates well below those for commonly accepted operations.…”