Comparing age of obesity onset, concerns about weight and body shape, and quality of life in individuals seeking bariatric surgery.

Background/aim: This study explored the relationship between concerns about weight and body shape and quality of life in bariatric surgery candidates with morbid obesity regarding the onset of the weight problem in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Materials and methods: We included 453 patients who applied to our center for preoperative bariatric surgery assessment between January 2010 and April 2019. We reviewed the sociodemographic information, psychiatric diagnoses, and results of the Body Shape Questionnaire-34, Quality of Life Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory of all patients. Results: Concerns about weight and body shape were increased in women (p < 0.001), unemployed patients (p = 0.001), those with a comorbid psychiatric disorder (p < 0.001), and those with childhood- or adolescent-onset of weight problems (r = -0.170; p < 0.001). Concerns about weight and body shape had a relationship with the vitality (r = -0.434), mental health (r = -0.464), social functioning (r = -0.418), pain (r = -0.307), and general health (r = -0.352) subscale scores of quality of life. Physical functioning was higher (p = 0.037) in patients with childhood- or adolescent-onset obesity compared to patients with adult-onset obesity, while mental health was higher (p = 0.001) in the latter group. Individuals with childhood- or adolescent-onset obesity inquired about bariatric surgery options at an earlier age (p < 0.001). Conclusion: While performing routine psychiatric evaluations before bariatric surgery, it is important to consider parameters such as the patient's physical functioning, level of concerns about the body, and age of onset of obesity.