With the inclusion of the first participants the ten-year MONUCO study has officially started. This research, also made possible by 4TU.RECENTRE, will examine the long-term impact of obesity treatments on women's health and child development.
Obesity affects 15% of the Dutch population. Since the 1980s this figure has tripled. Every year approximately 12000 people in the Netherlands undergo obesity treatment, of which 80% are women. While these treatments are effective for weight loss and reducing complications, little is known about the consequences in the long-run - particularly for women’s overall health and future pregnancies.
MONUCO is a 10-year cohort study designed to monitor the long-term health outcomes of women between the ages of 18-55 receiving obesity treatment. A total of 1150 women who are undergoing surgical or pharmacological obesity treatment from several obesity centers across the Netherlands will be recruited to participate in this study.
The first participants
As of January of this year, after two information sessions, the first participants were included in the study, marking the official start of the research. The women who are interested are excited about the study because it focusses specifically on women and the insurance of being monitored for 10 years.
Two weeks after the first potential participants were informed about the MONUCO study by mail, they were invited to attend an information session at the hospital. This session consisted of various appointments in preparation for their treatment. The patients also met with a research employee to discuss the study in more detail and ask questions. After this conversation the women were given the possibility to immediately sign an informed consent, making them a participant in the study.
Beyond weight loss
The MONUCO study seeks to improve healthcare for women undergoing obesity treatment by providing deeper knowledge about their future health and well-being of their children.
Agnes Berendsen emphasizes this study goes beyond weight loss: “Often obesity treatment is considered successful when a patient reaches a healthy BMI. But what happens after that? We need to ensure that women receive proper long-term care and that generations to come have a healthy start in life.”
Open to partners
The MONUCO study is capable of answering a wide range of research questions. To that end, Agnes Berendsen and her team are open to additional partners to further this research. Read more and find contact details on the WUR website.
Empowering people
In 4TU.RECENTRE, we work with patients and citizens to empower people to play a leading role in their lifestyle and health within their own environment. By holistic monitoring of vulnerable populations in their home and tailored recommendations, we relocate care from primary/secondary care and prevent disease development or worsening, resulting in timely intervention, higher quality of life and lower healthcare costs.
The MONUCO study is a collaboration between Human Nutrition and Health, Vitalys Clinic and Rijnstate Hospital and financially supported by 4TU.Health, EWUU/Institute 4 Preventive Health, Nutrition in Healthcare Alliance,