Weight gain following stroke in younger age (below 70 years) in men and women: challenges and opportunities for prevention and action

This report presents findings from a study to explore the incidence of weight gain in working age adults aged men and women in South Yorkshire. The project was developed following a research prioritisation event focused on obesity. The event was conducted with staff from a range of stakeholder organisations including health, social care, and voluntary sector.

Methods: Survey of respondents of the South Yorkshire Cohort, under 70 years old and had had a stroke. In-depth interviews (n=12)with patients responding to the survey living in Sheffield and participants from a local volunteer run stroke support group and professionals (n=18). Framework analysis techniques were adopted.

Findings: Long term weight gain is an issue for some patients following their stroke. Interviews with patients highlighted a range of lifestyle related challenges that people face following a stroke. Reduction in activity levels was reported as a key influence on weight gain. The health care system and stroke pathway currently provides short-term support to patients to aid recovery and rehabilitation. Longer-term support is harder to access. Existing and new support networks provided by health services, family and friends are essential in recovery and prevention of weight gain. Interviews with staff revealed gaps in their knowledge of their colleagues' roles across the stroke care pathway. Communication between health care professionals across the care pathway was also limited. The presence of patients who gain weight following a stroke was not evident across the entire stroke pathway for example staff in the acute setting were less likely to notice weight gain. Not all staff gave health promotion advice to patients, however all staff thought health promotion advice should be offered to patients, at a time appropriate to the individual and in a manner that will engage the patient in behaviour change. Staff highlighted the need to engage family members in a patient’s rehabilitation to prevent long term weight gain.