Evolution of the body image perception of people with obesity on the pathway from bariatric surgery to body contouring lift surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Being obese has a significant impact on the quality of life limiting physical condition, life and professional activity, causing lack of acceptance from the environment, and a disturbing self-esteem. The main aim of this study is to identify which factors contribute to changes of self-esteem and satisfaction of female patients' body image perception as well as their correlation during the various stages of bariatric therapy.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 438 bariatric female patients and a control group that consisted of 127 female subjects with reference body weight and BMI. Parametric data were collected in all the subgroups; anthropometric measurements and subjective assessment of body image were checked depending on the stage of bariatric treatment.

Results: The body image and self-esteem of bariatric patients is changing according to the stage of bariatric treatment. At the beginning of the bariatric pathway, patients are characterized by a negative body image and low self-esteem. Women undergoing contour lifting surgery got the highest score, even higher than women from the control group. The lowest scores are in the group entering the therapy and 24 h after surgery. A more favorable body image and a higher self-esteem were presented by patients with higher education and a better financial situation.

Conclusion: For female bariatric patients, the body image and self-esteem scores are higher with the consecutive stages of treatment. A more favorable body image and higher self-esteem is demonstrated with patients having a higher education and a better financial situation.

Keywords: Morbid obesity; bariatric treatment; body image; female; self-esteem.