SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2025 – Self-esteem more than doubled within one year of undergoing weight-loss surgery, according to a new U.S. study presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) annual meeting.
Researchers followed 85 patients who underwent bariatric surgery and tracked their self-esteem using validated psychological scoring tools over the course of a year. The average self-esteem score rose from 17.5 before surgery to 39.8 twelve months after—more than a twofold increase.
Mental health matters
Lead researchers emphasized that while bariatric surgery is often discussed for its physical health outcomes—like reversing type 2 diabetes or lowering blood pressure—this study highlights a significant emotional and psychological benefit that deserves equal attention.
“Patients often describe feeling more confident, socially engaged, and emotionally stable,” said Dr. Marina Kurian, ASMBS President. “This research gives solid evidence behind those personal stories.”
Surgery types and demographics
Most participants underwent sleeve gastrectomy, with others receiving gastric bypass procedures. The study group was primarily female and had an average age of 44.
Why it matters
Obesity has long been linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. This study adds to growing evidence that effective treatment can lead not just to improved health markers but also to meaningful changes in quality of life and mental wellness.
Next steps
Researchers are calling for larger, multi-year studies to see how long these self-esteem gains last and whether they correlate with long-term weight maintenance and other psychological markers.