by In a groundbreaking study conducted at Lund University and Karolinska Institutet, researchers have discovered that young people who undergo surgery for obesity do not experience improvements in their mental health despite significant and permanent weight loss. The study, which is the largest long-term investigation of its kind, also highlighted an increased risk of early alcohol problems following bariatric surgery.
The research focused on mental health issues among all young individuals in Sweden who underwent bariatric surgery between 2007 and 2017. By utilizing register data, the study was able to provide a comprehensive analysis and draw comparisons with other societal groups.
One startling finding was that the young people who underwent surgery were more likely to have already received treatment and medication for mental health problems five years prior to the procedure. This suggests a pre-existing vulnerability in this group, which may contribute to the lack of improvement in their mental health post-surgery.
During the ages of 15 to 21, mental illness typically increases. However, the need for treatment escalated at a faster rate among the young people who underwent bariatric surgery compared to their peers. Even after surgery, this group continued to require a higher level of mental health treatment.
“While obesity surgery has shown positive effects on aspects such as weight control, blood sugar, and blood pressure, there is no observable improvement or worsening in mental health after the procedure,” explained Martin Neovius, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at Karolinska Institutet.
In addition to the lack of improvement in mental health, the study unveiled another concerning finding: an increase in dependency diagnoses, particularly related to alcohol, among the surgical group. This trend was evident both when compared to the period before surgery and to the general population of young people.
The implications of this study are significant, as obesity surgery is often seen as a potential solution for young individuals struggling with obesity. While it has substantial benefits in terms of physical health, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to consider the potential lack of improvements in mental health and the increased risk of alcohol problems when recommending bariatric surgery to young people.
The study, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, sheds light on the need for further research and a more comprehensive approach to addressing the mental health needs of young individuals, particularly those who have undergone obesity surgery. By acknowledging these findings, healthcare providers can ensure a more holistic and well-rounded approach to the treatment and support of young individuals facing obesity and related mental health challenges.
