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Project

Predictors of harmful behavior in patients undergoing bariatric surgery - a multivariate, longitudinal analysis.

Bariatric surgery seems to be the only treatment that achieves considerable and long-term weight loss. It doesn’t stand on its own, however, as a drastic change in lifestyle is required of the patients as well. It is clear from our clinical practice that the latter proves difficult for some patients. They get stuck in harmful behavior (i.e. eating disorders, suicidality, alcohol abuse). Research reports also suggest an increased risk of suicide and substance abuse after bariatric surgery. But since we have no randomized prospective trials to further quantify the problem, no strategy for the prevention of harmful behavior has been identified as being the most effective. The main goal of this study is to improve the prediction and the prevention of aforementioned harmful behavior among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Therefore, we will study harmful behavior in its full clinical presentation throughout the pre- and post-operative follow-up of bariatric patients for both risk and protective factors. The methodology consists of elaborate statistical approaches on a targeted sample of approximately 1,400 patients followed during 3 years after surgery.  We will use a validated survey instrument to provide a multivariate statistical model, enabling us to predict which obese patients are at risk for suicide and other harmful behavior. This will provide clinical workers with guidance for better screening for surgery and ultimately preventive strategies for harmful behavior.

Date:2 Nov 2017 →  2 Nov 2023
Keywords:bariatric surgery
Disciplines:Endocrinology and metabolic diseases
Project type:PhD project