Obesity, Smell Disorder, Taste Disorders
Conditions
Keywords
Hedonic Hunger, bariatric surgery outcomes, Mediterranean Diet, Nutrient Adequacy, Power of Food Scale (PFS), Taste and Smell Questionnaire, MEDAS
Brief summary
This cross-sectional observational study investigates the association between changes in olfactory and gustatory senses and hedonic hunger among individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery. The study also examines the effects of these sensory changes on diet quality and anthropometric measurements. Participants completed a structured questionnaire including sociodemographic and health information, dietary habits, a modified 33-item taste and smell assessment, the Power of Food Scale (PFS), the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and anthropometric measurements.
Detailed description
Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease that negatively impacts health and quality of life. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option for severe obesity, leading to significant and sustained weight loss as well as improvement in obesity-related comorbidities. Postoperative changes in taste and smell perception are frequently reported by bariatric patients and may influence food preferences, hedonic hunger, and overall diet quality. These sensory alterations can result from anatomical and hormonal changes after surgery, including altered gut hormone secretion (e.g., PYY, GLP-1, ghrelin) and bile acid metabolism, which affect appetite regulation and reward pathways. This cross-sectional observational study evaluated adults aged 18-65 years who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at least three months prior to enrollment. Data collection included sociodemographic and health information, dietary habits, a modified 33-item taste and smell questionnaire, the Power of Food Scale (PFS) to assess hedonic hunger, the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and anthropometric measurements. Nutrient intakes were analyzed according to the Türkiye Nutrition Guide (TÜBER-2022) reference values. The primary objective was to determine the relationship between postoperative taste/smell changes and hedonic hunger. Secondary objectives included assessing the association between sensory perception and Mediterranean diet adherence, anthropometric parameters, and nutrient adequacy by surgery type. Findings from this study may guide the development of personalized nutritional follow-up protocols to improve long-term outcomes in bariatric patients.
Interventions
OTHERSleeve Gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
Participants who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy ≥3 months prior to study enrollment; and Participants who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass ≥3 months prior to study enrollment.
Sponsors
Uskudar University
Hanife Köksal
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 18 to 65 years * History of bariatric surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass) * At least 3 months post-surgery at the time of study enrollment * Able and willing to provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Pregnancy * History of neurological disorders affecting taste or smell * Active upper respiratory infection at the time of assessment * Severe psychiatric disorders that may impair participation
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Power of Food Scale (PFS) Score | Baseline (Day 1, at study enrollment) | Hedonic hunger assessed using the Power of Food Scale (range: 1-5; higher scores indicate greater hedonic hunger). |
| Modified 33-item Taste and Smell Questionnaire Score | Baseline (≥3 months after bariatric surgery, at study enrollment) | Changes in taste and smell perception assessed using a modified 33-item questionnaire (range: 0-33; higher scores indicate more pronounced sensory changes). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) | Baseline (Day 1, at study enrollment) | WHR calculated as waist circumference (cm) / hip circumference (cm). |
| Energy Intake Adequacy (% of TÜBER-2022 reference) | Baseline (Day 1, at study enrollment) | Daily energy intake adequacy compared to TÜBER-2022 reference values. |
| Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) Score | Baseline (≥3 months after bariatric surgery, at study enrollment) | Adherence to the Mediterranean diet assessed using the 14-item MEDAS questionnaire (range: 0-14; higher scores indicate greater adherence). |
| Micronutrient Intake Adequacy (e.g., iron, folate, vitamin E; % of TÜBER-2022 reference) | Baseline (Day 1, at study enrollment) | Micronutrient intake adequacy compared to TÜBER-2022 reference values. |
| Nutrient Adequacy Score (based on TÜBER-2022 reference values) | Baseline (Day 1, at study enrollment) | Composite score reflecting the percentage adequacy of daily energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intakes compared to TÜBER-2022 reference values. Higher scores indicate greater adequacy. |
| Protein Intake Adequacy (% of TÜBER-2022 reference) | Baseline (Day 1, at study enrollment) | Daily protein intake adequacy compared to TÜBER-2022 reference values. |
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Baseline (Day 1, at study enrollment) | BMI calculated as weight (kg) / height (m²). |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed