Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common complications of obesity and is independently associated with a reduced quality of life and cardiovascular disease. This project aims to identify the underlying factors linking obesity with OSA by examining how weight loss surgery can improve these factors. These important findings will contribute greatly to our understanding of OSA pathophysiology and are necessary to find better treatments for obesity-associated OSA.
The Prognostic Significance Of Obesity In Joint Arthroplasty
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$57,803.00
Summary
There are over 55,000 hip and knee joint replacements performed in Australia every year and the number is rising. The incidence of obesity is also rising. Higher risk of surgical complications following joint replacement surgery has been reported in obese patients. It is therefore imperative that we determine the impact obesity has on the outcome of joint replacement surgery in order to determine if treatment needs to be modified.
I am a medical practitioner - clinical research scientist investigating the broad range of health issues related to obesity, especially severe obesity. My studies have largely focussed on learning more about these clinical conditions, their relationship to obesity, examining the effect of substantial sustained weight loss, and translating into practice via educational activities.
Mechanisms Underlying The Efficacy Of Bariatric Surgery – Insights From Rat Models Of Sleeve Gastrectomy And The Adjustable Gastric Band
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$868,472.00
Summary
Bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment for morbid obesity. In order to better understand the mechanistic bases of two such procedures, the adjustable gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy, we have developed rodent models. Here we use these models to better understand the physiology and pathophysiology of these surgeries and extend these findings to inform part of a RCT aimed at identifying the basis for effective joint surgical and medicinal treatments of obesity.
Pathophysiology And Treatment Of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Effects Of Bariatric Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,766.00
Summary
The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising in parallel with the unfolding obesity crisis, and it will become the most common cause of liver failure in the near future. Bariatric surgery has established benefits in weight loss and type II diabetes remission. Its role in NAFLD is still uncertain. We will explore the role of bariatric surgery in the treatment of NAFLD, as well as investigate cellular and biomolecular changes that occur with weight loss.
A Randomised Control Trial Of Medical Treatment Versus The Placement Of The Lap Band In Severely Obese Adolescents.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,905.00
Summary
There has been a substantial rise in the number of overweight and obese adolescents in our community. While prevention of obesity is the ultimate goal, effective stratagies for the management of obese adolescents must be sought. Unfortunately there are few studies that have focused on this problem in adolescents and success has been very limited. Modern obesity surgery is the only reliable method of achieving and sustaining major weight loss in severely obese (body mass index > 35 kg-m2) adul ....There has been a substantial rise in the number of overweight and obese adolescents in our community. While prevention of obesity is the ultimate goal, effective stratagies for the management of obese adolescents must be sought. Unfortunately there are few studies that have focused on this problem in adolescents and success has been very limited. Modern obesity surgery is the only reliable method of achieving and sustaining major weight loss in severely obese (body mass index > 35 kg-m2) adults and there are now several small studies that demonstrate its effectiveness in adolescents. Modern obesity surgery involving the keyhole placement of an adjustable band around the very upper part of the stomach has proven to be safe and effective and requires one 24 hr stay in hospital. In this collaborative study, involving the Monash University Centre for Obesity Research and Education and the Royal Children's Hospital, we propose to formally test, for the first time, the effectiveness of a weight loss program that includes adjustable band surgery, and compare this with a comprehensive best care behavioral program, over a period of 2-years in severely obese adolescents. We estimate that suitable subjects will come from the top 1% for body mass index in our community. After thorough assessment 50 suitable candidates with ages ranging from 14 to 18 years will be randomly allocated to one of the two treatment programs. The intensity of each program will be similar. A broad range of measues including: weight, health status, physical disability, psychological status, body image and quality of life, will be performed before and at completion of the 2-year programs. In addition we will compare the complications, compliance and cost of the two programs. This study will help us assess and compare the effectiveness of the 2 programs and provide vital information regarding the role of modern keyhole obesity surgery for the management of severely obese adolescents.Read moreRead less
Effects Of Gastric Bypass And Banding For Obesity On Gastrointestinal Function, Body Weight, Glycaemia And Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,086.00
Summary
The increasing incidence of obesity poses a significant impact on the health care system. Bariatric surgery not only achieves sustained weight loss but also reverses the associated complications. This proposal aims to examine the mechanisms that mediate weight loss, improvement in blood glucose control and symptoms after bariatric surgery. The results will provide insights into future development of minimally invasive interventions for the management of obesity and diabetes.
The Arthroplasty And Bariatric Surgery (ABS) Study: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Prior To Total Knee Arthroplasty
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$664,149.00
Summary
Knee replacement is a common surgical procedure in Australia (40,000 per year). More than 60% of this group are obese and this is associated with higher early (clinical) and long term (implant) survival complications. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an effective and safe means of achieving sustained weight loss. This study compares the outcomes of total knee replacement in groups of obese patients who have and have not undergone pre-knee replacement LAGB.
Association Between Obesity, TGFb, Thrombospondin And Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$514,777.00
Summary
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of mortality in middle aged and elderly Australians. The incidence of AAA continues to increase despite improvements in the medical management of atherosclerosis. We postulate that obesity is important in the progression of AAA. In a community screening study we found that waist-hip ratio was independently associated with AAA. In this project we investigate the mechanisms underlying this association between obesity and AAA.