Vestibular Function in Obesity

Previous studies have demonstrated that obesity negatively affects the human vestibular system. However, whether improvement in vestibular function occurs following the resolution of obesity remains an area requiring further investigation. Therefore, the investigators aimed to assess and analyze vestibular system functions in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery, both before the surgery, after the surgery, and following significant weight loss.

Participants aged between 18 and 60 years who meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the study. Initially, participants will undergo medical history assessment and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement. The enrolled participants will be evaluated using the following tests at three different time points-preoperatively, at the 1st month postoperatively, and at the 6th month postoperatively: Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), static posturography test, Berg Balance Scale, SF-12 Quality of Life Scale, and the Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale.

Although obesity has been shown to be associated with impaired postural balance, studies evaluating the direct effect of BMI on postural sway are limited. The aim of our study is to assess the vestibular system in obese patients before and after bariatric surgery. Through this, the investigators hope to contribute to the literature by providing balance assessments in individuals with obesity