Our Summary

This research study looks at obesity and how it impacts foot health and overall quality of life. The study was specifically on people with extreme obesity who were preparing for weight loss surgery. The researchers used a special machine called a Podoprint® pressure platform to measure the pressure and weight distribution on the patients’ feet. They also asked the patients to fill out a questionnaire about their quality of life.

The results showed that a lot of these patients had foot problems, high pressure on the soles of their feet, and issues with their foot shape and the way they walk. Almost 74% of them reported foot pain, over half had difficulty moving around, and more than 40% struggled with everyday activities and felt anxious.

After the patients had their surgery and lost weight, their quality of life improved. However, they still had issues with their feet. The way their feet contacted the ground, the pressure on their soles, and their foot shape all changed. They reported less pain, fewer issues with walking, and less anxiety. They also took less medication but needed more vitamins and calcium.

In conclusion, losing weight improved the patients’ overall quality of life but they still had foot problems. The researchers suggest regular check-ups to spot any changes and adjust treatments as necessary. They believe this could help these patients better manage their foot health.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of this research study on obesity?
  2. What changes were observed in the patients’ feet and overall quality of life after weight loss surgery?
  3. What suggestions do the researchers have for managing foot health in patients with extreme obesity post-surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about obesity surgery is to continue monitoring and caring for their foot health post-surgery. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can help identify any changes in foot shape, pressure distribution, and overall function. Proper foot care, including wearing supportive shoes and custom orthotics if needed, can help prevent or manage foot issues that may arise after weight loss surgery. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can also help support overall foot health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery are those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have not been successful with other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise, and their obesity is significantly impacting their health and quality of life. Weight loss surgery is considered a last resort for these patients to help them achieve significant and sustainable weight loss, improve their overall health, and reduce the risk of obesity-related complications.

Timeline

  • Before surgery: Patients with extreme obesity prepare for weight loss surgery, experiencing foot problems, high pressure on the soles of their feet, issues with foot shape and walking, foot pain, difficulty moving around, struggles with everyday activities, and anxiety.

  • During surgery: Patients undergo weight loss surgery and begin to lose weight.

  • After surgery: Patients experience improved quality of life, but still have foot problems such as changes in foot contact with the ground, pressure on soles, and foot shape. They report less pain, fewer issues with walking, and less anxiety. They also take less medication but require more vitamins and calcium.

  • Conclusion: Losing weight improves overall quality of life for patients, but foot problems persist. Regular check-ups and adjustments to treatments are recommended to help manage foot health effectively.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about obesity surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after obesity surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to make any significant lifestyle changes after the surgery to maintain weight loss?
  4. How will obesity surgery affect my overall health and quality of life, including my foot health?
  5. Are there any specific precautions or considerations I should take regarding my foot health before and after the surgery?
  6. What type of follow-up care will be required after the surgery, especially in relation to monitoring and managing foot problems?
  7. Will I need to see a podiatrist or foot specialist as part of my post-operative care plan?
  8. How can I best manage and prevent foot problems after obesity surgery, considering the changes in pressure and weight distribution on my feet?
  9. Are there any specific exercises or physical therapy recommendations to improve my foot health post-surgery?
  10. What resources or support services are available to help me address any foot issues that may arise after obesity surgery?

Reference

Authors: Pérez Pico AM, Gómez González MÁ, Alarcón González MI, Villar Rodríguez J, Mayordomo Acevedo R. Journal: Obes Surg. 2023 Dec;33(12):3829-3840. doi: 10.1007/s11695-023-06843-5. Epub 2023 Oct 10. PMID: 37816972