TY - JOUR
T1 - Factors that influence an individual’s decision to undergo bariatric surgery
T2 - A qualitative systematic review
AU - Keogh, Natasha
AU - Horsom, Dawn
AU - Lee, Geraldine
AU - Saab, Mohamad M.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Keogh et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
PY - 2025/10
Y1 - 2025/10
N2 - Introduction Obesity is a significant health issue associated with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss treatment for obesity. This systematic review aimed to examine factors influencing individuals’ decisions to undergo bariatric surgery. Methods This systematic review was guided by the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis for Qualitative Reviews and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Literature searches were conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, APA PsycINFO, and APA PsycArticles. Results were analysed using a meta-aggregative approach. Quality appraisal was conducted using the JBI Checklist for Qualitative Research. Results Thirteen studies were included. Health concerns, fears of obesity-related comorbidities, and a desire to improve physical health and quality of life emerged as key motivators to undergoing bariatric surgery. Support from healthcare professionals and family played a crucial role in motivating individuals to consider surgery. Women particularly noted concerns about fertility as a motivator to undergo bariatric surgery. Disclosure of surgery, financial concerns, transport, family and work commitments, and perceived risks of surgery were identified as barriers to undergoing bariatric surgery. Conclusion Findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to adopt empathetic, patient-centred approaches when discussing bariatric surgery. Addressing financial, insurance, and logistical barriers, alongside stigma and family resistance, is essential. Improving patient education, strengthening provider relationships, and offering tailored support can enhance decision-making, access, and long-term outcomes for those considering bariatric surgery.
AB - Introduction Obesity is a significant health issue associated with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss treatment for obesity. This systematic review aimed to examine factors influencing individuals’ decisions to undergo bariatric surgery. Methods This systematic review was guided by the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis for Qualitative Reviews and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Literature searches were conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, APA PsycINFO, and APA PsycArticles. Results were analysed using a meta-aggregative approach. Quality appraisal was conducted using the JBI Checklist for Qualitative Research. Results Thirteen studies were included. Health concerns, fears of obesity-related comorbidities, and a desire to improve physical health and quality of life emerged as key motivators to undergoing bariatric surgery. Support from healthcare professionals and family played a crucial role in motivating individuals to consider surgery. Women particularly noted concerns about fertility as a motivator to undergo bariatric surgery. Disclosure of surgery, financial concerns, transport, family and work commitments, and perceived risks of surgery were identified as barriers to undergoing bariatric surgery. Conclusion Findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to adopt empathetic, patient-centred approaches when discussing bariatric surgery. Addressing financial, insurance, and logistical barriers, alongside stigma and family resistance, is essential. Improving patient education, strengthening provider relationships, and offering tailored support can enhance decision-making, access, and long-term outcomes for those considering bariatric surgery.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105019113749
U2 - 10.1371/journal.pone.0334837
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0334837
M3 - Article
C2 - 41105640
AN - SCOPUS:105019113749
SN - 1932-6203
VL - 20
JO - PLOS ONE
JF - PLOS ONE
IS - 10 October
M1 - e0334837
ER -
