Weight loss surgery may increase the depression instead of decreasing it in obese (over weight person), according to a research published in the journal Obesity Surgery by the Yale University. Research was made to investigate if depressive symptoms increases after the surgery. For the study, researchers used statistical data taken between 6 to12 months after post-surgery.
Although most of the patients who went through weight loss surgery reported, reduction in depression but some patients saw adverse effect of the surgery. For the research, 107 obese including 94 women and 14 men underwent gastric bypass surgery and were asked to keep a track on their lifestyle, eating disorders and depression level. Researchers found that most of the patients had a better lifestyle, reduced depression level and boosted confidence, within 12 months after the surgery.
Except in some cases, 3.7 percent, where patients reported frequent negative mood change and an increment in anxiety and depression level. Besides the depression, they found that their social activity and self-esteem were significantly affected. Some patients said that the surgery had ruined their life.
“The majority of patients whose mood had worsened discernibly experienced these mood changes between six and 12 months post-surgery, suggesting this may be a critical period for early detection and intervention, as needed,” Valentina Ivezaj from Yale School of Medicine said in a press release.”The increases in symptoms of depression are also notable given that they were associated with other difficulties including lower self-esteem and social functioning,” Carlos Grilo from Yale School of Medicine said.
According to Ivezaj, study will help doctors in better understanding the effects of weight loss surgery that eventually will help obese in reducing depression and living a better life.
