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

INTERVENTION: 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. CONDITION: obesity PRIMARY OUTCOME: Change in Emotional Eating Scale score from baseline to 2 months compared between SG and diet (control) groups SECONDARY OUTCOME: Circulating (blood) cortisol Circulating (blood) ghrelin Circulating (blood) GLP‐1 Circulating (blood) PYY Weight change post‐SG, measured using scales. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Adults with obesity who are awaiting sleeve gastrectomy