Weight-loss surgery to treat obesity not only improves people’s health, but also benefits their relationships and social lives, a new study finds.
Researchers from Arizona State University questioned more than 200 adults who underwent weight-loss surgery about their surgical results as well as why they wanted the operation in the first place.
The patients, who ranged in age from 26 to 73 years, were asked about their health and self-esteem, and any changes they experienced in their social lives, their work and their ability to be physically active after the surgery.
The researchers found a big reason the patients decided to have the surgery was to lower their risk for health problems. They also wanted to look better and boost their self-confidence. Many patients also said they wanted to be able to be more physically active and avoid the stigma associated with being overweight.