THE INFLUENCE OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) ON WEIGHT REGAIN IN POST-BARIATRIC SURGERY PATIENTS

Abstract

This study reviewed the literature on the influence of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on weight regain in patients after bariatric surgery, recognizing that long-term weight maintenance depends on biological, behavioral, and emotional factors. The findings suggested that weight regain is typically gradual and multifactorial, often linked to reduced multidisciplinary follow-up, the progressive relaxation of structured routines, and the re-emergence of maladaptive eating patterns such as emotional eating, loss-of-control eating, and grazing. The evidence also indicated that symptoms of anxiety and depression may increase vulnerability to relapse by reinforcing cycles of shame, avoidance of care, and decreased adherence to self-management behaviors. Regarding CBT, the reviewed studies consistently reported improvements in psychological distress and disordered eating outcomes, even when short-term weight outcomes were modest or not statistically significant. Overall, CBT appeared to be a relevant strategy to strengthen self-regulation skills, restructure dysfunctional thoughts, and support relapse prevention, and it should be integrated into long-term, multidisciplinary follow-up to enhance the likelihood of sustaining post-surgical outcomes.