Psychological state and weight loss after gastroplasty for major obesity—some outcomes and inter-relationships

A series of 63 significantly overweight adults (mean BMI = 48.8) underwent gastroplasty as surgical treatment designed to produce and maintain weight loss. A 6-month post-operative follow-up confirmed major weight loss in the sample, accompanied by significant improvements in psychological measures of anxiety, depression, difficulties with social interaction and perception of body shape. Pre-operative weight predicted amount of weight loss but not psychological outcome. Pre-operative psychological measures predicted both psychological outcome and weight loss. The need to avoid making assumptions about psychological outcome on the basis of weight loss outcome is identified. The nature of possible relationships between psychological variables and weight loss is considered.