Exploring factors of engagement in weight management patients.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring factors of engagement for patients attending Specialist Weight Management Clinics.
IRAS ID
94288
Contact name
Jeanette Syers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sunderland
Research summary
Obesity is on the increase, it is estimated that over 500 billion adults were obese in 2008 globally (WHO, 2011) and that in the UK 24.4% of males and 25.2% of females were obese (WHO, 2012). There are both direct and indirect costs (serious medical conditions known as comorbidities) of obesity to the NHS, approximately £45 million and £1 billion respectively (NHS, 2006).
At present, one of the areas of most concern is individuals with a BMI of 40+ with both physical and psychological comorbidities, a population about which very little is known. Due to the association of higher morbidity and mortality in this population (1.6% for men and 3.8% for women) it is thought that patients with a BMI of 40+ with comorbidities require more intensive treatment and therefore necessitate comprehensive health care resources (National Obesity Observatory, 2010).
Existing weight management interventions at the Specialist Weight Management Services (SWMS) in the NHS South of Tyne & Wear (Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside) are currently experiencing high drop-out rates. This research aims to investigate why these drop-out rates are so high and to understand more about issues that patients experience relating to eating, physical activity and sedentary behaviours. In addition, the patients’ experiences of living with obesity and comorbidities will be explored. Using a mixed methodological approach will allow both a quantitative analysis of the clinic’s data as well as exploring patients’ perspectives on the factors relating to engagement with the SWMS. This research may also contribute to the existing but limited literature in the area of morbid obesity in conjunction with comorbidities and may benefit both current and future patients in terms of better health outcomes as well as benefiting the NHS in terms of improved efficiency and better targeting.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0242
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion