Monday, August 1, 2016
From fat to fit – at what cost?
Kiwis could weigh in as the fattest country in the world in the next five years, with around one third of adults classed
as obese.
New Zealand has reached a crucial tipping point in how we handle such a rapidly growing health issue, and while the
financial cost of obesity is clear, what about the emotional and physical toll?
In 2014, there were 889 bariatric surgeries performed in New Zealand. In the same year, the government earmarked $10
million for at least 480 bariatric surgeries over the following four years. Despite the predicted increase in surgeries,
little research has been done on the impacts of these invasive, but potentially life-saving procedures.
Now Massey University Master of Science in Human Nutrition student Sara Lake is hoping to understand the experience,
from the patients point of view. Ms Lake says although surgery is effective at resolving excess weight and related
health problems, it is by no means an easy way out.
“Even before they have been approved for surgery, patients must undertake a dramatic change in lifestyle. They must
adhere to a prescribed diet, take supplements and stick to an exercise plan for the rest of their life, as well as
dealing with the many social changes that occur when you lose a large amount of weight. Failure to cope with these
sustained changes can lead to future health problems or even weight regain.”
Ms Lake, who works in regulatory compliance within the food and supplement industry, says the chance of a person with
morbid obesity losing weight permanently using diet and exercise alone is very low. “If someone has tried repeatedly to
lose weight, there is a high possibility that bariatric surgery will help them finally succeed. The surgery may also be
their best opportunity to avoid or resolve the life-threatening co-morbidities of obesity which include cardiovascular
disease, diabetes and arthritis
The goal of the Bariatric Surgery Experienced study (BASE) is to understand the surgical experience from the patient’s
point of view, to delve into how it has affected their life, the challenges they faced, and what could have been
improved both before and after surgery to make it easier.
Ms Lake says the study uses the qualitative design of grounded theory. “This means we don’t start with a hypothesis, or
any preconceived idea of what might emerge, but develop theories from what participants tell us, paying particular
attention to recurring themes. The primary method is in-depth interviews - a type of investigative technique which can
deliver a wealth of information. The aim is to develop directions for future research and uncover information that could
inform best-practice guidelines.”
The study is recruiting women over 18-years-old who are preparing to undergo or have recently undergone either sleeve
gastrectomy or Roux-en Y gastric bypass surgery. Participants can be based anywhere in New Zealand.
Click here for more information about the BASE study.