The effect of coronavirus pandemic on weight outcomes of patients after bariatric surgery

The effect of coronavirus pandemic on post-bariatric patients

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 to be an international concern. Many governments around the world quarantined and forced millions to stay at home and remain isolated for long periods, an unprecedented impact on public life. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are no exception but are more vulnerable to the effects of isolation. This review study was conducted to help better understand the consequences of the COVID-19 virus pandemic on the weight outcomes of patients after bariatric surgery.

Materials & Methods: This review study examined the data from several reliable databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct from the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic (2019) until now (2023). According to the inclusion criteria, finally, 17 articles were reviewed.

Results: The findings of this study showed that increased psychological distress, anxiety, depression and loneliness, mood changes, decreased physical activity, decreased social support and loss of face-to-face meetings with a nutrition consultant, increased substance use Unhealthy diet, increased snacking and overeating, as well as loss of control over eating, are some of the adverse effects of coronavirus pandemic on patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, and these are risk factors for weight gain after bariatric surgery.

Conclusion: Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are affected by the COVID-19 virus pandemic and subsequent quarantine and social isolation in many areas of their lives, which will ultimately have a negative impact on the weight outcomes of patients after surgery. Therefore, specialized care and interventions are needed to address behaviors that lead to weight regain during future pandemics or in the post-coronavirus era in vulnerable patients after bariatric surgery.