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Experiences and Outcomes of Indigenous Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: a Mixed-Method Scoping Review

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Abstract

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are growing global health concerns. Evidence suggests that Indigenous peoples are at higher lifetime risk of obesity and its associated conditions. Obesity increases the risk of T2D, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. Bariatric surgery is the most sustained and effective intervention for treating obesity-associated medical problems. This review aims to explore the experiences and outcomes of Indigenous peoples undergoing bariatric surgery in Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand (CANZUS). Analysis of quantitative data revealed that Indigenous patients had fewer bariatric procedures, poorer clinic attendance, similar weight loss outcomes and slightly higher post-operative complication rates. Qualitative data analysis revealed that Indigenous patients living with obesity have a desire to improve their health and quality of life.

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Data Availability

Data supporting this scoping review are available upon request.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Marta Whyte, Felicia Daeninck, Melinda Fowler-Woods, Ashley Vergis, Wenjing He & Krista Hardy

  2. Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute for Health and Healing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Amanda Fowler-Woods

  3. Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Geraldine Shingoose

  4. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Janice Linton

  5. St. Boniface General Hospital, Z3053-409 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada

    Krista Hardy

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  1. Marta Whyte
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Correspondence to Krista Hardy.

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This study does not involve human participants and ethical approval was not required.

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Key Points

• Indigenous patients encounter barriers to bariatric surgery access.

• Indigenous patients living with obesity have a desire to improve their health.

• Family is an important support and motivator, and non-surgeon supports are lacking.

• Research to focus on development and implementation of cultural supports/programs.

Appendix A

Appendix A

figure b

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Whyte, M., Daeninck, F., Linton, J. et al. Experiences and Outcomes of Indigenous Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: a Mixed-Method Scoping Review. OBES SURG 34, 1343–1357 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-024-07089-5

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