Use of Broadband Personality Tests in Bariatric Surgery: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Studies have reported significant associations between personality scales of broadband psychometric testing to bariatric surgical outcomes; however, the literature falls short in outlining how these instruments can be best utilized to optimize weight loss milestones after surgery. The purpose of this scoping review is to analyze the literature utilizing broadband personality tests in the bariatric surgical population with relation to weight loss outcomes to identify gaps in research and summarize results to guide American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery practices and future research. Methods: Six databases were searched for broadband personality assessments, bariatric surgery, and weight loss outcomes terms. Studies included were peer-reviewed, published in English, and compared psychological assessments and weight loss outcomes. Results: Five hundred nineteen studies were reviewed, with 20 included in the full-text analysis. Studies used at least one of six defined broadband personality assessments. Elevated scores for depression were associated with lower weight loss with three of the assessments. Anxiety was inconsistently associated with postoperative weight loss, but this may be dependent on follow-up time Conclusions: Preoperative broadband personality assessments may support identifying behaviors that help patients reach their postoperative weight loss goals. Inconsistencies in the reporting of weight loss outcome measures across the literature make it difficult to draw significant conclusions. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery recommends standardization of outcome reporting, further highlighting a need in research to identify scales that are consistent predictors of weight loss outcomes.