Association between Depressed Mood and Morbid Obesity: Experience from a Bariatric Surgery Program

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is on the rise in Pakistan. This study aims to assess the association of depression and obesity in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery at our center.

Aims & Objectives: To assess the association of depression and obesity in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery at our center.

Place and duration of study: This one-year mixed descriptive study was conducted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore between January 2021 and January 2022

Material & Methods: Ninety bariatric surgery patients files were screened to see whether data regarding depression screening and follow-up was complete as per DSM-V formulated depression questionnaire. Patients were then randomly selected and asked for short interviews to understand themes and experiences regarding their mood to understand the association between obesity and depression.

Results: Statistically significant difference existed in the depression scores at each follow-up from the previous score and from baseline, showing decreased weight resulted in lower scores. Themes of (i) financial constraints and economic struggles, (ii) depression linked to eating habits, (iii) anger and irritability as a predominant symptom of low mood, and

(iv) using religion as mental health therapy were picked during the interviews.

Conclusion: Bariatric and metabolic surgery should be offered to patients as per guidelines for patients who require it. Depression and mental health disorders are prevalent in the obese population, and these should be screened for and appropriately dealt with in both the pre-operative and post-operative phase. Surgical candidacy decision should not be based on the presence or absence of mental health disorders.