The Psychological Benefits of Bariatric Surgery for Obese Adolescents

Although bariatric surgeries have proven helpful for sustained weight loss in obese adolescents, the psychological benefits are less well-studied. Anxiety, depression, low self esteem, and a variety of other issues impacting well-being are common among this group. This new study from Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding explored those and other psychological parameters following bariatric surgery.

Study Design

97 patients between the ages of 14-17 were selected for consideration. None had undergone bariatric surgeries in the past and each had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40.

Following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), patients were evaluated annually to develop an overview of their physical and mental health. The bariatric surgery team monitored each patient’s weight loss and eating habits in conjunction with a dietician. An adolescent psychologist administered annual surveys to assess each patient’s behaviors, quality of life, and general well-being.

Findings by Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding

This study confirmed previous findings regarding the efficacy of bariatric surgery for obese adolescents. Medications and lifestyle changes alone have long been shown to be significantly less effective for sustained weight loss. Here, the percentages of weight lost and BMI reduced again remained steady in the five years following LAGB. The dieticians also observed a consistent improvement in eating behaviors that was sustained over the course of the study.

The data also revealed significant psychological improvement along several parameters for obese adolescents in the years following LAGB. The young patients reported decreases in anxiety and depression, more positive body image, and enhanced quality of life.

Interestingly, the patients also seemed to perform better academically in the years following their surgery. Whether this trend is related to the treatment of obesity or some other factor remains an active area of research.

In some data sets, a modest dip in improvement was observed at the 4-5 year mark. These coincided with a slight increase in weight, still much improved over baseline, and are likely complicated in origin. At the cusp of adulthood, adolescents are presented with a whole host of new challenges that ultimately impact their behaviors. More complex social relationships, life changes (like attending a new school), or experimenting with drugs may shift the data indirectly.

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, Dr. George Fielding, and colleagues concluded that there are significant psychological benefits after LAGB for obese adolescents. Such weight loss surgeries clearly promote happier as well as healthier lives for teenagers struggling with obesity.

Learn More

Would you like to learn more about surgical weight loss procedures such as LAGB? Please contact the NYU Langone Weight Management Program to schedule a consultation with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding.