The Relation Between the Socioeconomic Levels, Quality of Life Related to Health, Body Self-Image, and Level of Physical Activity in Obese Adults After Bariatric Surgery

Introduction: The socioeconomic profile can affect the maintenance of treatment after bariatric procedures. Objective: To test the hypothesis that postbariatric surgery obese adults with the highest socioeconomic level have a better health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a better perception of body self-image, and a better level of physical activity. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Data were collected between 3 and 6 months after bariatric surgery, from adults with both genders, between 18 and 60 years of age. Socioeconomic classes are defined by Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria. Results: Level of physical activity: the percentage of individuals in class A was 60.0%, class B (51.2%), and class C (43.9%). Class A HRQoL was “good” (60.0%) and classes B and C reported “very good” (52.0% and 57.9%, respectively). The body self-image was referred to as dissatisfied due to the excess of weight by all socioeconomic classes (class A: 93.3%; class B: 95.1%; class C: 91.2%). Conclusion: In obese individuals after bariatric surgery, a higher socioeconomic level is related to a higher prevalence of physical activity. The perception of body self-image had similar behavior in all social classes and HRQoL was demonstrated as good in social class A and very good in social classes B and C.