Stigma, body image and self-compassion post bariatric surgery v0.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The relationship between stigma and body image post bariatric surgery and the role of self-compassion.
IRAS ID
311099
Contact name
Stephanie J Ennis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 3 days
Research summary
Obesity in the UK is a growing problem and the use of bariatric surgery to help individuals to lose weight is frequently offered in NHS and private sectors. Bariatric surgery can have good outcomes for some, and has been shown to improve mental health. However, difficulty meeting weight loss targets and feeling unhappy with body image following surgery is common and can in some cases have a negative impact on mental health. Unfortunately weight related stigma is common and has been found to lead to poor body image and poor mental health. Research has shown that being self compassionate (kind to oneself) tends to have a positive impact on the way people view themselves and their mental health.
We want to find out how weight stigma impacts body image satisfaction, weight loss and mental health following bariatric surgery. We also wish to find out whether being self compassionate might lessen this impact and lead to better outcomes from surgery.
The findings will be useful to inform bariatric teams about how weight stigma might affect outcomes from surgery and will hopefully inform psychological treatment options for patients pre/post surgery to help people get the most out of it.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0873
Date of REC Opinion
8 Sep 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion