Summary

Body contouring performed for cosmetic purposes, or after weight loss, has the potential to improve body image and health-related quality of life. The BODY-Q was developed by Drs. Anne Klassen, Andrea Pusic, and Stefan Cano to measure patient perceptions of these procedures.

The BODY-Q is a patient-reported outcome instrument designed to evaluate outcomes for adult patients who are obese, undergo weight loss through diet, exercise and/or bariatric surgery, and body contouring patients (both weight loss and cosmetic). BODY-Q scales measure appearance of various body areas, health-related quality of life, and the patient experience of care.

All BODY-Q scales are based on underlying conceptual framework developed from extensive qualitative interviews with weight loss and body contouring patients, close examination of the research literature, and engagement of healthcare professionals working with the patient population. The framework of BODY-Q scales is comprised of three overarching themes as follows: 1) Appearance, 2) Health-Related Quality of Life and, 3) Patient Experience.

To meet increasing demand for electronic versions of questionnaires, the BODY-Q is available in electronic format as well as in hardcopy. MILO is working closely with translation companies to review electronic conversions of all questionnaires in its library. MILO is also continuing to increase the portfolio of validated translations for questionnaires.