Obesity: “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health” (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020, ¶ 1).

• For adults, WHO (2020) defined obesity as a BMI greater than or equal to 30.  

• Due to societal stigma around the word obesity, the more appropriate term used for this population will be “individuals with bariatric needs” (AOTA, 2015).

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Bariatric surgery: “an operation that helps [an individual] lose weight by making changes to their digestive system” (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), 2020, ¶ 1).

• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band: a type of bariatric surgery where an adjustable band is placed around the upper stomach region (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2021).

• Gastric sleeve surgery/sleeve gastrectomy: a type of bariatric surgery where approximately 80% of the stomach is removed (Mayo Clinic, 2020c).

• Gastric bypass: a type of bariatric surgery that connects a small portion of the stomach directly to the small intestine (Mayo Clinic, 2020a).

Occupational therapy: “the therapeutic use of occupations, including everyday life activities with individuals, groups, populations, or organizations to support participation, performance, and function in roles and situations in home, school, workplace, community, and other settings” (American Journal of Occupational Therapy Association [AJOT], 1999, p.608). ​

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Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (ICP): “When multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds work together with patients, families, carers, and communities to deliver the highest quality of care” (WHO, 2010, p. 7).