Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Brandner, L.
Gender differences in eating habits, comorbidities and laboratory parameters of obese patients before a surgical intervention for weight reduction
[ Diplomarbeit ] Medical University of Graz; 2013. pp. 66
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Höller Vera
- Treiber Gerlies
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background: Worldwide about 1 billion of people is overweight and more than 300 million are obese (according to definition BMI >30kg/m²). In Austria prevalence of obesity is also increasing, as well as sequelae such as diabetes mellitus type 2, cardiovascular and orthopedic problems with a percentage of 13% for men and women. However, it seems that more women suffer from psychological strain related to obesity and data show women undergo bariatric surgery more often than men. There are also first leads that gender-specific differences may affect the success of surgery. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate gender-specific differences concerning eating habits, glucose, lipid- and vitamin-metabolism, as well as comorbidities at the time of the initial presentation at the obesity-outpatient-clinic of the division of endocrinology and metabolism of the Medical University Graz. Methods: In this retrospective monocentric study 214 patients (77% n=164 females and 23% n=50 males, both with similar age and BMI) were evaluated. All patients were compared with descriptive statistics using data from routine assessment with questionnaires and laboratory tests. Results: Women have a healthier body fat proportion, displaying a pear-shape (WHR=0,92±0,066). In contrast, men are prone to have the apple-shape (WHR=1,02±0,055). Eating habits differ as to 63% of females do comfort eating, while 37% of men eat nocturnally and 19% irregularly. A majority of both genders has feelings of guilt after eating (¿70%; ¿65%) and consumes snacks (¿68%; ¿60%). More than 90% of men and women display a positive family history for metabolic disease. 20% of males had DM type 2, 56% arterial hypertension and 58% liver parenchymal damage, whereas 21% of females suffered from depression. Lipids and liver parameters were significantly higher in men than women. Numbers for choice of treatment were nearly the same for both genders, nonetheless, in total more women consulted the clinic. Conclusion: This study confirmed that gender-specific differences in obese people exist, which should be considered in the care and treatment of those patients. Further research has to be done in order to implement evidence based approaches.