Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted society. Bariatric patients are more vulnerable to the effects of isolation such as depression or disruption of their health habits. Our aim was to quantify the impact of self-quarantine on bariatric patients and its relationship with weight gain.

Methods

A 30-item 7-Likert survey examining several known contributors to weight regain, was distributed among the postoperative bariatric patients at our institution during the peak of the social isolation in April 2020. Change in eating habits, exercise, depression, social-support, loneliness, and anxiety since the pandemic were studied, among others. T-test and multivariable regressions were undertaken for the variables above adjusting for age, sex, race, insurance, change of social support, days in quarantine, and time from surgery.

Results

A total of 208 patients completed the survey (29.3% response rate). Most patients reported a deterioration in their mental health and/or eating habits and exercise (Table 1), and 13% reported hardship with vitamins' accessibility. Patients greater than 18 months from surgery regained 2+-4.2kg during an average of 47 days. Following the multivariable analysis, weight regain was found to be associated with loss-of-control when eating (coefficient=0.457), increase in snacking (coefficient=0.409), and binge eating (coefficient=0.394), reduced consumption of healthy food (coefficient=0.422), and reduced physical activity (coefficient=-0.178) (p<0.001 for all).

Conclusions

Bariatric patients are negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social isolation. This patient population is vulnerable to crisis situations and when they arise additional intervention is needed in order to address behaviors that lead to weight regain.