Elst

Researchers are investigating the long-term effects of obesity treatments on womens health, focusing on nutritional intake, nutritional status, musculoskeletal health, and reproductive health. The study also examines how obesity treatments impact pregnancy outcomes and child development. This is a multicenter, 10-year observational study involving women aged 18 to 55 who are approved for either surgical or pharmacological obesity treatment at participating centers. Participants will be followed from 6 weeks before treatment through multiple time points up to 10 years after starting treatment. They will complete questionnaires about lifestyle, gastrointestinal and reproductive health, and mental health. They will also track dietary intake using a specialized app, and provide blood, urine, and feces samples. Physical measurements will include body composition, muscle strength, balance tests, and in some cases, DEXA and MRI scans. Physical activity will be monitored with accelerometers. Pregnant women who have had prior obesity treatment or become pregnant during the study will join an integrated birth cohort with additional assessments during pregnancy and up to four years after birth. Throughout the study, participants will have regular visits for questionnaires, sample collections, and various physical and imaging assessments at scheduled intervals. Key measurements include body composition, muscle strength, bone density, dietary intake, nutrient status, and pregnancy-related outcomes. Child growth and development will also be monitored in the birth cohort. Safety and health status will be tracked over the years, with data collected up to 10 years post-treatment to understand the long-term impact of obesity therapies on women and their children.