Psychiatric-Medical ComorbiditySelf-esteem and quality of life in adolescents with extreme obesity in Saudi Arabia: the effect of weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

ObjectivesTo evaluate the self-esteem and quality of life in adolescents with extreme obesity before and one year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as obesity is a major challenging medical problem, not only in adults but also in children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study, 32 adolescents (aged 13-17 years) with extreme obesity (Group 1) presenting for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) were compared with 32 matched, healthy, nonobese adolescents (aged 14-17 years) (Group 2) with regards to self-esteem and quality of life. Assessment was done using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (self- and parent report), respectively. Body mass index (BMI) Z scores were calculated for both groups.ResultsWe found significantly poor self-esteem and impairment in all domains of quality of life (self- and parent report) in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (P< .001). Self esteem and quality of life (self- and parent reports) significantly improved 1 year after LSG (P< .001), and the weight loss induced by LSG, reflected by a decrease in BMI Z scores, was a significant predictor for the improvement in self-esteem (R2= 0.28 and P= .003) and quality of life (R2= 0.67 and P< .001).ConclusionLSG was found to be a safe and effective operation in adolescents with extreme obesity: LSG leads to weight loss, with subsequent improvement in self-esteem and quality of life.