Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Weight Loss Surgery’s Family Effects

  In the study, researchers observed the weight and lifestyle changes of 35 people who had gastric bypass weight loss surgery and their families, including 35 adult family members and 15 children under age 18.
One year following the bariatric surgery, the weight loss in the patients was typical for those who undergo weight loss surgery, about 100 pounds.
When researchers then looked at obese adult family members they also found a significant weight loss, from an average of 234 to 226 pounds. In addition, average waist circumference decreased among obese adult family members.
The study also showed that obese children of people who had weight loss surgery had a lower than expected BMI (body mass index) for their growth curve one year later after the surgery, but this was not considered significant. BMI is a ratio of weight in relation to height used to indicate obesity.
One year after the weight loss surgery, the study showed the people who underwent surgery and their family members had adopted healthier lifestyle habits. For example:
People who had a gastric bypass increased their mental control of eating and decreased uncontrolled and emotional eating.
Adult family members of people who had weight loss surgery also decreased uncontrolled and emotional eating.
Children of people who had bariatric surgery were twice as likely to report being on a diet.
Children had fewer hours spent watching TV and increased hours of physical activity.
"If one member of the family makes drastic lifestyle changes following surgery, it is possible that other family members will adopt similar healthy habits," the researchers write.

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