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LOS ANGELES (AP) - Extremely obese people suffering from depression or anxiety tend to lose less weight after obesity surgery than mentally healthy people, researchers reported Thursday in a study that suggests such patients could benefit from treatment beforehand.
People diagnosed with mood or anxiety disorders on average lost 81 pounds six months after gastric bypass surgery compared to their counterparts who shed 86 pounds. Although both groups lost significant weight after surgery, people without mental health problems did slightly better.
"Patients with a lifetime history of mental health problems might benefit from closer surveillance," said lead author Melissa Kalarchian of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
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