The Role of Social Support in Weight Loss Management for Morbidly Obese Individuals
This chapter will discuss the role of social support on the treatment and weight loss outcomes of individuals with morbid obesity and those pursing bariatric surgery. Sources and functions of social support will be defined, with the roles of significant o
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Anna Wallwork and Lynn Tremblay
This chapter will discuss the role of social support on the treatment and weight loss outcomes of individuals with morbid obesity and those pursing bariatric surgery. Sources and functions of social support will be defined, with the roles of significant others and peers/similar others being explored in more detail. Literature on how these sources of support incite motivation for behaviour change will be provided. The chapter will proceed with suggestions and considerations for clinical practice and these will be demonstrated within a concluding case-based scenario.
Case Vignette
Pre-surgery: Brian is a 42-year-old married man who attended the clinic by himself for his initial social work appointment. He has been married for 12 years and reports that although his wife also struggles with her weight, she does not completely support his decision to seek bariatric surgery and thinks that he can lose weight on his own if
A. Wallwork, M.A., M.S.W. (*) L. Tremblay, M.S.W., R.S.W. Toronto Western Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program, University Health Network, 4E-460, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8 e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
he wanted though she believes he does not need to lose very much. He informs the social worker that his wife appears confident about her body size and has expressed no desire to lose weight, change how she eats or cooks, or conform to societal standards. Brian reports that he has a brother who is athletic, has never struggled with his weight, and does not understand how Brian “got to be this size”. His brother is often encouraging Brian to join the gym and eat well. Brian also reports that he has informed two of his closest friends of his desire to lose weight/have bariatric surgery and that they have expressed mixed feelings. Much of their social activities involve pub food and beer and they are uncertain how this will impact their relationship with Brian after surgery. Brian expressed how his motivation for surgery has waned since sharing his intentions with his close family and friends and not receiving the support he anticipated he would. He is wondering if surgery is the right choice for him and whether he can be successful in his efforts. Post-surgery: After significant weight loss, Brian attended the clinic to see the social worker for a follow-up appointment. He reports that it has been a challenge to
© Springer International Publishing AG 2017 S. Sockalingam, R. Hawa (eds.), Psychiatric Care in Severe Obesity, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-42536-8_15
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(continued) routinely eat healthy and be physically active as his partner has no desire to join him in implementing these changes. He misses time with his wife which was usually spent sitting on the sofa watching television or going out to eat. Furthermore, he reports that his wife will often bring unhealthy foods into the home which he struggles with as he finds it easy to give in to temptations. His brother has been involved in his journey and encourag
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