SOGN OG FJORDANE OBESITY RESEARCH

NETWORK

A multidisciplinary approach to assess the impact of prevention, bariatric

surgery and lifestyle intervention on obesity

Sogn og Fjordane obesity research network - Norway

Our overall research program is: A multidisciplinary approach to assess the impact of prevention, bari-

atric surgery and lifestyle intervention on obesity

International Collaboration Is Most Welcome If you have any questions or suggestions for collaboration you are welcome to contact us.

John Roger AndersenNetwork co-ordinator, Associate professor, PhDHelse Førde, Førde Central HospitalSogn og Fjordane University College6800 Førde, Norway

E-mail: john.andersen@hisf.noPhone: +47 48278186

Sogn og Fjordane obesity research network is a group of more than 20 obesity researchers. The members of the group are from health institutions and Sogn og Fjordane University College in Western Norway.

Sogn og Fjordane obesity research network - Norway

Outcomes after surgery for severe obesityTen years ago we started a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing obesity sur-gery at Førde Central Hospital. Today almost 600 patients are included in this study and they will be followed for more than 10 years. The surgical methods are “Duodenal switch” and “Gastric sleeve”.

The data collection is comprehensible. One of the largest bio banks in Europe with frozen blood samples is available. Furthermore there are data on biological and biochemi-cal variables, comorbidities, a battery of health-related quality of life issues, patient satis-faction and socioeconomic variables.

In addition qualitative interviews are performed. The aim is to enhance understand-ing of the impact of change after bariatric surgery in the long-term.

Principal researchers: Villy Våge E-mail: villy.vage@helse.forde.no John Roger Andersen E-mail: john.andersen@hisf.no

Short presentation of our research areas

Outcomes after lifestyle intervention for severe obesityOne year ago we started a prospective cohort study for patients undergoing lifestyle intervention for severe obesity at Red Cross Haugland Rehabilitation Centre. Today 50 patients are included in this study and will be followed for at least 10 years. The intervention consists of a comprehensive diet and exercise intervention plus edu-cation in cognitive therapy techniques. The data collection is comprehensible. There are data on biological and bio-chemical variables, aerobic fitness, physical activity, diet, comorbidities, a battery of health-related quality of life issues, patient satisfaction and socioeconomic variables.

Principal researchers: Eivind Aaland E-mail: eivind.aadland@hisf.no

Randi Jepsen E-mail: Randi.jepsen@hisf.no

Metabolomic profiling and biochemical variablesOne year ago we started a prospective cohort study with 100 patients either undergoing obesity surgery or lifestyle intervention for severe obesity. A healthy control group (n=60) is also included. We will compare changes during treatment in individuals and between the groups of operated and non-operated patients by monitoring each patient´s metabolic profile as expressed by instru-mental and biochemical analysis of serum. These profiles contain quantitative information about levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides and many other components that are objective measures of metabolic state of a person. By monitoring over time, we will obtain data that can provide objective assessment of long-term effects of surgery and lifestyle intervention. We will run proton NMR on the lipo- and the low molecular weight window as well as the extracted lipid fraction.

Principal researcher: Olav M. Kvalheim E-mail: olav.kvalheim@kj.uib.no

Prevention and treatment of childhood obesityWe are currently planning a program on prevention of childhood obesity. One of the included studies is a large school based prevention intervention. The intervention consists of 60 minutes of daily physical activity integrated in others subjects. A comprehensive data collection is planned including variables on health and learning. Studies on outcomes after lifestyle intervention for childhood obesity, is also under construction.

Principal researchers: Geir Kåre Resaland E-mail: geir.kare.resaland@hisf.no

Hege Kristiansen E-mail: hege.krstiansen@helse-forde.no

Qualitative research on obesity Qualitative data are of great value as it can deepen our understanding of the impact of obesity and change after weight loss as well as prevention of overweight. We have performed several studies already and are currently running projects on children and adults.

Principal investigator: Eli Natvik E-mail: eli.natvik@helse-forde.no

Sogn og Fjordane obesity research network - Norway

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