Bariatric surgery shows mental health and cognition benefits, but may have some risks

Researchers with McMaster University conducted a complete synthesis of the impact of bariatric surgery on mental health and found in people living with obesity, bariatric surgery leads to clinically meaningful improvements in depression and anxiety, eating behaviours, and cognitive performance compared to non-surgical or no treatment. However, the findings published in Obesity Reviews show bariatric surgery is also associated with a slight increase in substance use disorders and suicide risk.

Obesity is a growing global health concern that increases the risk for mental health and cognitive problems – up to 80 per cent of people living with obesity meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder in their lifetime. While bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity, its effects on mental health are less clear – this systematic review and meta-analysis offers clarity.

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This article was originally published on Newswise: Obesity.