Weight-Loss Surgery Doubles Self-Esteem Scores: Study Finds - Video

Self-esteem scores more than doubled within one year of weight-loss surgery, according to a new study presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting and set to be published in Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. The findings highlight a significant psychological benefit of bariatric surgery beyond physical health improvements.

Researchers from Geisinger Medical Center analyzed the experiences of 5,749 adults who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2019. All patients were 18 or older with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. To assess changes in psychological well-being, patients completed the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQOL) survey both before and one year after surgery. The results revealed that self-esteem scores surged from an average of 33.6 to 77.5 on a 100-point scale—a more than 40-point gain.

The increase in self-esteem was strongly linked to the amount of weight lost, and held true across all demographics, including gender, age, race, and the specific type of bariatric procedure. The data suggest that greater weight loss contributes directly to greater improvements in self-worth and perceived quality of life.

"Understanding weight stigma and psychosocial factors associated with obesity is essential to offering holistic care. While these factors should not dictate the decision to have bariatric surgery, they should be an important part of the conversation," said study co-author Justin Dhyani, MD, from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania.

Weight stigma remains a persistent issue, affecting between 19% and 42% of adults with obesity. It is linked to a range of negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and low self-esteem.

These findings support the growing recognition of the mental health benefits of bariatric surgery and underscore the importance of addressing stigma in obesity care.

Reference: https://asmbs.org/news_releases/new-study-finds-self-esteem-surges-within-one-year-of-weight-loss-surgery/