Disability and psychological burden in severe obesity: results from a structured psychosomatic assessment of candidates for metabolic and bariatric surgery - Report - MDSpire

Disability and psychological burden in severe obesity: results from a structured psychosomatic assessment of candidates for metabolic and bariatric surgery

  • By

  • Angelika Thönnes

  • Sebastian Holländer

  • Gudrun Wagenpfeil

  • Michael Noll-Hussong

  • Christoph Heinz

  • Matthias Riemenschneider

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Psychological Impact and Disability Associated with Severe Obesity

Overview

This study evaluated the psychological and functional burdens in 220 adults with severe obesity undergoing preoperative assessment for metabolic and bariatric surgery. Findings indicate a high prevalence of mental health issues and significant disability.

Background

Severe obesity is a chronic disease with substantial implications for physical health and psychological well-being. The prevalence of mental disorders among individuals with severe obesity is notably high, which can complicate treatment outcomes.

Data Highlights

MeasureMean (SD)Percentage with Significant Disability
WHODAS20.376.7%
PHQ-9-Moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms: 47.1%
EDE-Q3.3 (1.1)-

Key Findings

  • 69.1% of participants were female, with a mean age of 41.8 years.
  • 37.7% reported a prior history of mental illness.
  • Over 60% met DSM-IV Axis I criteria for current psychopathology, primarily affective disorders.
  • 76.7% of participants showed clinically significant disability based on WHODAS scores.
  • Moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were observed in 47.1% of patients.
  • WHODAS scores correlated significantly with PHQ-9 and PHQ-15 but not with BMI.

Clinical Implications

The findings highlight the necessity of incorporating structured psychosomatic assessments in the preoperative evaluation for metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Conclusion

The study highlights the psychological and functional burdens faced by candidates for metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Obesity Surgery, 2026 -- Impact of Weight Bias, Stigma and Discrimination on Physical, Mental, and Quality of Life Outcomes of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review
  2. Obesity Surgery, 2025 -- Exploring the Effects of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery on Psychosocial and Relationship Well-being: A Comprehensive Review
  3. Obesity Surgery, 2021 -- Assessing Understanding, Perceptions, and Challenges Related to Medication Compliance Among Candidates for Bariatric Surgery
  4. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Analysis of the trajectory of depressive symptoms and influencing factors in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery
  5. MBSAQIP 2026 Standards
  6. NICE Guidance on Medicines and Surgery for Overweight and Obesity
  7. AACE Consensus Statement on Evaluation and Treatment of Adults with Obesity
  8. Psychiatric and Cognitive Functioning After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis - Reekum - 2025 - Obesity Reviews - Wiley Online Library
  9. Is bariatric surgery a crime? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of postoperative psychiatric symptoms and eating disorders - Albadareen - 2025 - Clinical Obesity - Wiley Online Library
  10. Impact of Weight Bias, Stigma and Discrimination on Physical, Mental, and Quality of Life Outcomes of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review | Obesity Surgery | Springer Nature Link
  11. Perioperative Care for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
  12. More than a Checkbox: Evolution of the Behavioral Health Psychosocial Assessment for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery - Afton M. Koball, Gretchen E. Ames, Karen B. Grothe, Shanu Kothari, 2026

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