Young Adults Who Underwent Obesity Surgery Gained Health but Lost This

Increased Alcohol Dependence Among Young Adults Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery

A study has found that young adults who have undergone obesity surgery remain at a higher risk of mental health issues despite permanent weight loss.

The Karolinska Institute at Lund University in Sweden analyzed mental health problems before and after surgery in Swedish young adults who underwent obesity surgery between 2007 and 2017. The results showed that young adults who had obesity surgery had a greater need for mental health treatment compared to the general youth population.

Additionally, the research team revealed that young adults who underwent surgery were more likely than the general population to have received medication or other treatments for mental health issues for five years prior to the surgery.

[Image source=Pixabay]

Professor Martin Neovius, a clinical epidemiology professor, stated, "Obesity surgery has a very positive effect on controlling body weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure," but added, "however, it does not affect mental health." In particular, the research team noted that young adults who had obesity surgery showed higher alcohol dependency compared to their peers.

The research team emphasized, "While obesity surgery can provide a solution for physical health problems such as obesity, it is not a cure-all for mental health issues," and added, "It is clear that further research and enhanced mental health support for young people who have undergone obesity surgery are urgently needed."

Meanwhile, this paper was published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.