The Role of Familial and Socioeconomic Factors in Weight Loss Success in Bariatric Surgery Patients

Objective: Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective intervention for long-term weight loss in individuals with obesity. However, weight loss success varies among patients, and familial and socioeconomic factors may influence outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of family size, socioeconomic status, and the presence of obese family members on postoperative weight loss success. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 108 patients who underwent BS between 2016 and 2022. Data were collected through patient records and phone interviews, including family member count, presence of obesity among family members, household income, and individual income. Multiple regression analyses were performed to assess associations between these variables and body mass index (BMI) changes at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively. Results: The first-year BMI change regression model was statistically significant (p = 0.023), with family member count being a significant predictor of weight loss (b = -2.105, p = 0.023). However, family income, individual income, and the number of obese family members were not significant predictors. No significant associations were found for BMI changes in the second and fifth years. Conclusion: Family member count negatively affects short-term weight loss outcomes after BS, suggesting that individuals from larger families may face challenges in adapting to postoperative dietary and lifestyle modifications. Long-term weight maintenance appears to be influenced by other behavioral and psychological factors rather than familial or socioeconomic conditions.