Exploring Men’s Experience of Body Image and Bariatric Surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Men’s Experience of Body Image and Bariatric Surgery within a Public Healthcare Context
IRAS ID
285223
Contact name
Naomi White
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Background: Bariatric surgery is a successful weight loss solution for individuals living with obesity. Previous research suggests mixed findings: bariatric surgery can improve body image but can also result in body image dissatisfaction. A majority of those included in previous research are female and little is known about males within a public healthcare context.
Aims: The main aim of this project is to explore the lived experiences of men that have had bariatric surgery and how this has had an impact on body image.
Methods: Data will be collected by a one-off semi-structured interview with each participant, either face-to-face at a location within NHS Ayrshire & Arran, or by using Zoom's online video conferencing software. Data analysis will take the form of an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with a sample of 6-10 men that have had either a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy within NHS Ayrshire & Arran. This will allow an exploration of body image, including a retrospective focus on their body image and expectations prior to receiving bariatric surgery and exploring body image after receiving bariatric surgery.
Applications: This study will help enhance understanding on male body image in relation to bariatric surgery, and whether this differs from females. This study may also help inform whether current processes and support within bariatric services needs to be tailored with gender-sensitive issues taken into consideration.
Summary of Results
Three main themes were identified: Feeling Abnormal, Seeking Change, and Ambivalence Towards Change. These included several smaller themes which described a range of different experiences after surgery, positive and negative.
The research contributes to the understanding of men’s experience of body image and bariatric surgery. It both highlights the positive and negative consequences of surgery, and the need for psychological support after the procedure
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NE/0281
Date of REC Opinion
14 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion