Over-munching number-crunching for National Obesity Awareness Week

New research undertaken by Surgicare has revealed that depression, anxiety and a low level of self esteem can be common amongst those struggling with obesity.

This announcement coincides with National Obesity Awareness Week, commencing Monday 12 March. The week was first launched in 1999, and is organised by The Obesity Awareness and Solutions Trust (TOAST).

A these results were collated from the pre operative screening of 95 patients who underwent obesity surgery. Surgicare offer two types of surgery, the placement of an adjustable gastric band (a small inflatable ring that fits around the upper part of the stomach, reducing the amount of food consumed before a patient feels full) and Laparoscopic gastric bypass (in which the stomach is formed into a small pouch and attached to the large intestines, bypassing the rest of the stomach, making the patient feel fuller on a smaller volume of food).

The 95 participants (73 gastric band and 22 gastric bypass patients) were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, 48% were classed as anxious and 36% scored positive for depression. Using other screening tools alongside this scoring system 18% were referred on to a psychologist before continuing to undergo a procedure.

Mark Bury, Managing Director of Surgicare said of the findings, “Surgery of this nature is not a decision to be taken lightly, and we have a responsible attitude towards patients who may have to address the emotional implications of the choice to take positive action in order to manage the obesity. Patients who scored highly for levels of anxiety and depression were offered the necessary support. We support T.O.A.S.T because they encourage proactivity.”

As well as the significant number of apparently anxious and depressed obesity patients, other findings revealed the following problems in daily life:

• Low self esteem 48%
• Poor enjoyment of physical activities 43%
• Poor social life 29%
• Poor ability to work 6%
• Poor sexual pleasure 35%

Louise Diss, Director of T.O.A.S.T commented on the issue of obesity in society,

“It seems every day we are warned of the dangers of obesity, by the government, the media, our peers... but little thought is given to why people over eat or find exercise daunting. Too often, the obese are dismissed as being lazy, greedy, self indulgent individuals. I think it is important that organisations offering treatments and services to people who are obese work to understand the thoughts and feelings of their patients. Studies such as this show empathy and responsibility to the patient and will help with future developments.”

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Notes for editors:

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