Impacts of an intensive community‐based support for patients with severe or morbid obesity in the United Kingdom: a qualitative study

Background: To explore the long-term impact of a UK specialist service providing intensive weight management support for patients with severe and complex obesity. An interview-based study of former patients about their contact with the service and how it had affected their subsequent weight management. The questions covered areas of difference between those who had received lifestyle change support and those who had also had weight loss surgery.

Methods: This qualitative study took place with former patients of a community-based weight management service for people with severe or morbid obesity who had been discharged for at least 2 years. Nineteen interviews took place with patients initially contacted by questionnaire about their experiences of involvement with the service. Participants interviewed all had support to change their lifestyle, and some also had bariatric surgery. A narrative interview approach was employed to explore participants’ weight management after involvement with the service.

Results: Most participants maintained their weight loss. The self-esteem of some participants had significantly improved. For some, the weight loss came with significant problems in terms of dietary restrictions and loose skin. Participants said they would like more open-ended contact, particularly for those who had bariatric surgery.

Conclusions: The study supported current research findings that both those who had bariatric surgery or who just had lifestyle change support experienced a significant reduction in their weight. In this respect, participants thought it was a success. However, for a number, it was at a price in terms of the amount and type of food they could eat. The study adds to the understanding of the impact of bariatric surgery and weight management support from the patients’ perspective and of the support needs of patients having lifestyle support and surgery to help them manage the long-term impact of obesity and treatment side-effects.