Prevalence of comorbidities and impact of bariatric surgery after 5 years on quality of life: A study in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala

Abstract

Bariatric surgery is increasingly recommended for managing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, yet its long-term efficacy and quality-of-life outcomes remain underexplored. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, assessed 60 bariatric surgery patients aged 20–60 years to evaluate weight loss, comorbidity resolution, and quality of life (QoL) five years post-surgery. Data collection involved anthropometric measurements, postoperative complications, and progression of obesity-related comorbidities. QoL was assessed using the High Rated Quality of Life Questionnaire (HRQOLQ), with responses rated on a 1–5 scale. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio and KAUGRAPES software. The study found significant reductions in mean weight (114.05±22.01 kg to 80.07±12.04 kg) and BMI (42.41±6.54 kg/m² to 29.62±4.22 kg/m²; p<0.01). Prevalence rates of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and depression/anxiety decreased substantially, alongside improvements in systolic (153.6±14.68 mmHg to 128.08±8.48 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c (7.32±2.29% to 5.57±0.80%), and fasting glucose levels. QoL analysis indicated enhanced family relations, health satisfaction (66.66%), and self-sufficiency, though areas like physical activity (mean score: 3.03) and mood stability (mean score: 3.38) required improvement. Bariatric surgery demonstrated remarkable efficacy in weight reduction, metabolic health improvement, and QoL enhancement. The HRQOLQ proved a valuable metric for postoperative assessment, with most patients reporting satisfaction levels ranging from "moderate" to "very satisfied." However, comorbid conditions correlated with lower QoL scores, emphasizing the need for holistic postoperative care. Overall, bariatric surgery is a transformative intervention, offering significant health benefits and improved life quality.