Psychosocial Predictors of Work Ability in Morbidly Obese Patients

BACKGROUND Obesity is associated with a higher risk of work disability and premature early retirement. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine psychosocial predictors for work ability prior to surgery. METHODS Based on a sample of 197 surgery-seeking obese patients (preoperative body mass index [BMI] above 35 kg/m2) from a German bariatric surgery unit, the present cross-sectional study examined based on standardized self-rating measures whether depressive symptoms, dysfunctional eating behaviors, relationship satisfaction, and life satisfaction have a predictive value for work ability. RESULTS Considerable impairment of work ability was found in 51.8% of morbidly obese participants (n = 102). Multiple regression analyses revealed that older age, greater depressive symptoms, and lower life satisfaction were significant predictors of preoperative work ability. BMI, gender, relationship satisfaction, and dysfunctional eating behaviors did not predict work ability. CONCLUSIONS Our findings might indicate the use of further psychosocial measures following bariatric surgery to increase work ability.