Fear of COVID-19 in patients with obesity and the influence on bariatric surgery rates

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to examine and compare the effect of fear of Covid-19 disease on the lives of obese individuals and the effect of this fear on bariatric surgery rates, and the state of fear and anxiety in operated individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 568 eligible patients were recruited for the study. The patients were screened for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), having bariatric surgery history, comorbidities and Covid-19 symptoms and diagnosis. The patients were evaluated for fear of Covid-19 with the Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Results: A total of 568 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the female patients was 49. 71 ± 12.35. The mean age of the male patients was 40.38 ± 9.38. Of the patients, 208 (36.6%) were male, while 360 (63.4%) were female. There were significantly more patients with a bariatric surgery history and at least one Covid-19 symptom were (39.3%) than patients with no bariatric surgery history (20.9%) (P < 0.05). Patients with a BMI lower than 50 kg/m2 had significantly higher FCV-19S scores (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The population with the highest BMI may show less fear of Covid-19, according to FCV-19S. This kind of behaviour (fear, anxiety, etc.) may be seen as an effect of disregard. Obese populations should be treated by psychiatrists and should be educated about obesity and Covid-19.