Examining the reciprocal effects of stress-related eating on sleeve gastrectomy: a randomised controlled study in people seeking treatment for obesity

Adults with obesity who are awaiting sleeve gastrectomy (SG) will be invited to participate. Intervention: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) Participants will complete six validated questionnaires to assess non-homeostatic eating behaviours (such as stress-related eating, pleasure of eating), emotions and feelings. They will also have their weight recorded, and undergo a mixed meal test with a blood sample to assess appetite-regulating hormones at fasting and at 30, 60 and 120 mins post-prandially at baseline (pre-weight loss), and again 2 and 12 months post-intervention. Data collection will be performed by a qualified study doctor or research nurse, face-to-face*, individually. Sleeve gastrectomy, a type of surgery for weight loss that involves removal of around 85% of the stomach, will be performed by a qualified bariatric surgeon (expected operating time 1-2 hours). All study visits and procedures will be performed at Austin Health or St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne *Addendum due to government and public health advice around social distancing and travel restrictions (as of 01 October 2021) To remain in line with local hospital and government public health guidance around social distancing and travel restrictions, visits for newly recruited participants may be conducted remotely. Questionnaires to assess non-homeostatic eating behaviours will be conducted via telephone or video conference. Participants who enter the study during the period of remote visits (i.e. remote visit 2) will not undergo a mixed meal test with blood samples and subjective appetite ratings. Participants already enrolled as of 01/10/2021 will be asked to complete their remaining study visits in-person (as described above), and a remote visit conducted only if they are unable or unwilling to do so.