Internationally, weight loss surgery is primarily undertaken by women (75%). This difference has been attributed to the appearance concerns of women which is a simplistic and unsatisfactory explanation. The study aims to explore the way gender influences the processes leading up to surgery and life after surgery providing important new insights into the differences in uptake of weight loss surgery between men and women. Ten single-gender focus groups were conducted in Australia in 2014 (Women = 32, Men = 17). Aspects of particular importance for understanding the gendered nature of weight loss surgery include different understandings of the mechanisms that contribute to weight gain, the relationship with food, experiences of having a big body and approaches to disclosure of surgery. To maximise outcomes following surgery, health services and supports need to give greater consideration to the way gender influences experiences for men and women pre and post-surgery.
Funding
National Health & Medical Research Council
Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania
Department of Premier and Cabinet
History
Publication title
Health Sociology Review
Volume
26
Pagination
113-127
ISSN
1446-1242
Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Publisher
Routledge
Place of publication
Australia
Rights statement
Copyright 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group