Body image in obesity surgery patients

This study examined body image in a clinical sample of 161 adult obesity surgery candidates and compared level of body image disturbance (BID) to that of normative non-clinical and clinical samples. Gender, ethnic/racial, and age of obesity onset differences were also examined. The relationship of self-esteem and depression to BID and the clinical predictors of BID were also studied. BID, self-esteem, and depression were assessed by the Body Shape Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Analyses revealed that obesity surgery candidates experienced a range of BID. On average, a moderate level of BID was reported. Candidates had a significantly higher level of BID than nonclinical samples and a significantly lower level of BID than obese body image therapy patients and bulimia patients. No significant differences were found between obesity surgery candidates and obese dieters. Females reported a significantly higher level of BID compared to males. No significant ethnic/racial or age of onset differences were observed. Self-esteem was negatively correlated to BID and depression was positively correlated to BID. Self-esteem significantly predicted BID. Sex and self-esteem were the most important predictors of BID in this sample. Being female and having a lower self-esteem in combination with a higher level of depression may represent risk factors for the development of BID. The desire to increase self-esteem, decrease depression, and improve body image may be what motivates candidates to seek obesity surgery.