Bariatric surgery is a useful tool in addressing morbidity and mortality among people who are obese. The positive outcomes are numerous, in some cases even leading to the remission of type 2 diabetes. However, the mental health and psychological status of bariatric surgery candidates – both before and after the procedure – should be carefully considered and managed as part of a multidisciplinary approach to weight-loss surgery. This article explores the psychological consequences of obesity and their origins. The psychological preparation for, and follow-up from, bariatric surgery are discussed....

People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop depression than the general population. Depression is characterised by changes in mood, behaviour and thinking patterns, usually lasting longer than 2 weeks and resulting in social- or work-related problems (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). A number of questionnaire-based tools are available for the assessment of depression in primary care. This article explores the incidence and prevalence of the condition in people with type 2 diabetes, the effects it has on diabetes control, and discusses ways in which healthcare professionals can assess symptoms of depression and treat the condition....