Body image and body mass index influences on psychophysical well-being in bariatric patients

Bariatric surgery is currently the gold standard for the treatment of morbid obesity, and it is important to explore which aspects may play an important role on psychological and physical wellbeing in individuals going through a bariatric path. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of body mass index (BMI) and dissatisfaction with body image with psychopathological aspects, feelings of hopelessness, and quality of life in patients undergoing evaluation for bariatric surgery. Participants completed a psychological clinical assessment before surgery. Correlations and multiple regressions were performed. Dissatisfaction with the perception of ones body image was strongly correlated with worse psychophysiological health. In contrast, BMI showed no significant correlation with the previous variables. Furthermore, the perception of ones own body image significantly predicted psychological health. The results of the present study showed a predominant role of body image over BMI in the association with psychological outcomes, suggesting the importance of considering body image in the assessment and treatment of obese patients requiring bariatric treatment.