Early Mood and Personality Changes Following Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Individuals with obesity exhibit higher rates of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life, and the severity of these issues often correlates with the degree of obesity. Similarly, patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) experience increased psychological distress, as both obesity and diabetes are independently associated with an increased risk of mood disturbances. Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, leading to substantial weight reduction and metabolic improvements. While many studies focus on long-term outcomes, emerging evidence suggests that psychological and personality changes may occur even in the short term. This study examines early (3–6 months) changes in mood, personality, and cognition in patients with T2D following BS. Significant reductions in depression and state anxiety scores were observed in the overall sample, particularly among women (p = 0.025, CI = [.59, 7.57]; p = .005, CI = [2.33, 10.73], respectively). An increase in extroversion was also found to be significant (p = 0.004, CI = [-2.37, − .56]), with further analysis suggesting that this effect was primarily driven by changes in the female subgroup. No significant cognitive changes were observed in either sex. Even within a short follow-up period, BS is associated with meaningful psychological improvements in subjects with obesity and diabetes. The observed increase in extroversion is particularly noteworthy, as personality traits are typically considered stable in adulthood. This highlights the potential of BS as an intervention that extends beyond weight reduction to enhance mental well-being, particularly in individuals with T2D.