Comprehensive eight-month intervention reduces weight and improves depression and anxiety levels in severe and morbid obesity

Introduction: Morbid obesity generates a considerable decrease in expectations and quality of life, which causes increased levels of depression and anxiety. Objective: The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of a comprehensive treatment program on weight loss and anxiety and depression levels of severe and morbid obese patients. Materials and methods: 4 men and 12 women with an average age of 34.0±26.0 years, and candidates for bariatric surgery were included in this study. 6 severe obese and 10 morbidly obese patients participated in a comprehensive eight-month treatment intervention. The following conditions were assessed pre- and post-intervention: weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, cardiorespiratory capacity, anxiety and depression. Results: Postoperative weight and BMI decreased significantly (p< 0.001) by 12.28% and 12.30%, respectively, while waist circumference decreased by 11.67% (p< 0.001). In addition, respiratory capacity improved significantly (p< 0.001), and anxiety and depressive symptoms decreased significantly (p< 0.001). Conclusion: The comprehensive eight-month intervention had significant benefits for participants in weight loss and improved levels of anxiety and depression. For this reason, the intervention performed may be recommended for the treatment of this condition