Are the Effects of Bariatric Surgery Socially Contagious?

Obese adult family members living with patients and exposed to educational sessions lost weight and improved healthy behaviors.

Lifestyle management is key to any durable weight loss program; however, bariatric surgery is the only effective and definitive treatment. The effect of weight changes and lifestyle or dietary modifications has been shown to be socially contagious (i.e., having a parallel effect on people associated with the patient). To date, only one study has evaluated the effects of bariatric surgery on patients' family members (Obes Surg 2005; 15:191).

To examine this issue further, investigators conducted a prospective, longitudinal study involving 35 families of patients who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNYGB). Family members were required to live in the same dwelling as the patient, accompany the patient to all clinic visits, and attend thre…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors