Weight Loss Surgery Improves Mental Health

Bariatric surgery and extreme lifestyle changes have become part of the public conversation, with shows like Extreme Weight Loss and Skin Tight featuring the real stories of individuals combatting obesity and related challenges. Most of us know that weight loss surgery can transform a person’s life, but these shows give us the opportunity to more fully understand the challenges, sympathize with their struggles, and celebrate their triumphs.

Losing a significant amount of weight is, of course, beneficial to overall health, helping people live longer and more productive lives. What you might not know is that weight loss surgery is also great for mental wellness. The LA Times recently highlighted the many mental health benefits of weight loss surgery.

The Mental Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Through extensive studies, the review of over 60 academic papers, and thorough research analysis, the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine found a highly correlated link between bariatric surgery and improved mental health.

Patients who were in the planning stages of undergoing bariatric surgery had higher rates of depression, binge-eating, and mood disorders. But after successfully undergoing weight loss surgery and shedding the pounds, the majority of patients experienced dramatically lower rates in the incidence and severity of depression symptoms.

These findings demonstrate that severe obesity often contributes to poor mental health and, as such, excess weight can be treated as part of the issue rather than a separate condition.

We Know How to Help

As surgeons who have devoted our practice to helping patients lose weight and then contouring their bodies afterward, we have often witnessed the positive mental and emotional impact weight loss surgery has on patients—and we are honored to play a role in changing people’s lives.

If you’re ready to take the next step to being healthier and happier through weight loss, contact us today. Bariatric surgery and body contouring procedures can not only impact the way you look at yourself, but how you look at the world around you.

To read the full article in the LA Times, click here.