In 2017 we published the first systematic review of reviews to explore the relationship between obesity, weight loss and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (Kolotkin & Andersen, 2017*).

In 2025 we performed another systematic review of reviews to update the evidence. Eight new systematic reviews of reviews and/or meta-analyses published since 2017 were identified and results were synthesized.

This updated review of reviews provides additional insights into underexplored areas, including the role of metabolic profiles in HRQoL and trends of HRQoL after metabolic and bariatric surgery. Notably, no systematic reviews of reviews pertaining to anti-obesity medications were identified during this time period, limiting conclusions on this emerging treatment area.
 
Conclusions

• Adults living with obesity who also have adverse metabolic profiles reported poorer HRQoL outcomes than those with metabolically healthier phenotypes.
• HRQoL improved significantly within 1–2 years after metabolic and bariatric surgery, especially in the physical aspects. However, plateaus or declines occurred over time, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up.
• We recommend improved methodological quality in future systematic reviews on obesity and HRQoL, particularly in the following areas: better specification of research questions, as well as inclusion of prospective protocol registrations, more comprehensive search strategies, and evidence grading and reporting standards.

​* Kolotkin, R. L. and Andersen, J. R. (2017), A systematic review of reviews: exploring the relationship between obesity, weight loss and health-related quality of life. Clinical Obesity. doi:10.1111/cob.12203

Citation for Updated Systematic Review of Reviews
Flølo TN, Liu HH, Andersen JR, Kolotkin RL. Exploring the Relationship Between Obesity, Weight Loss and Health-Related Quality of Life: An Updated Systematic Review of Reviews. Clinical Obesity. 2025 Nov 3:e70049. doi: 10.1111/cob.70049. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41184092

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