{"id":131285,"date":"2026-07-27T13:00:35","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T11:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/easo.org\/?p=131285"},"modified":"2026-07-27T13:38:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T11:38:24","slug":"meet-the-adult-coms-reykjalundur-rehabilitation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/easo.org\/fr\/meet-the-adult-coms-reykjalundur-rehabilitation\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Adult COMs: Reykjalundur, Iceland"},"content":{"rendered":"

This issue introduces Reykjalundur, an Adult COM in Iceland<\/a>, led by Dr Gudrun H\u00f6skuldsd\u00f3ttir. Located near Reykjavik, this specialist centre with international accreditation for rehabilitation services (CARF International<\/a>) delivers person-centred obesity care through a dedicated team and a leading model. We also had the opportunity to speak with Karen Gunnarsdottir \u2013 an Occupational Therapist from this COM team.<\/p>\n

Great to speak with you, Dr H\u00f6skuldsd\u00f3ttir. Your COM brings together a wide multidisciplinary team. How does this translate into the care you provide?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We have one multidisciplinary metabolism and obesity team that includes doctors, nurses, psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, a social worker, a dietician, an exercise physiologist and a secretary. We also have multidisciplinary teams in neurology, cardiology, pulmonology, chronic pain, rheumatology, psychiatry and an inpatient care ward.<\/p>\n

We place equal emphasis on physical, mental and social well-being, quality of life, and supporting a healthier relationship with food and movement. Our focus during obesity treatment includes nutritional therapy (including treatment for eating disorders), pharmacotherapy with long-term outpatient follow-up, CBT, occupational therapy and physical therapy. We aim to build self-esteem in physical activity and social well-being and provide support from a social worker for financial matters and rights. We offer group sessions for training and education, peer-to-peer learning, and have access to a cardiopulmonary lab for work-up of coexisting conditions. Patients also benefit from consultations with other specialist teams, as well as pre-operative care before bariatric surgery. We have also been employing technology to support patient care \u2013 recently we used AI to assist in translating all patient material to Polish and, with the support of a Polish interpreter, delivered our first group-based treatment for Polish-speaking individuals in 2025-2026.<\/p>\n

Rehabilitation plays a very important role in supporting long-term outcomes in obesity care. How is your team advancing this approach?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rehabilitation for individuals living with obesity is a key area of innovation in our COM and remains rare internationally, with no established guidelines despite WHO emphasis on its importance. Evidence, including Mejaddam et al. (2025)<\/a>, highlights a clear need for long-term specialised care after bariatric surgery across Europe. After patients receive surgery, we continue to see challenges such as reduced mental well-being, alcohol disorders and nutritional problems. This reinforces the need for rehabilitation 2-5 years post-surgery, as well as specialist support for individuals experiencing weight regain.<\/p>\n

Your team is also active in research and national initiatives. What work are you currently involved in?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alongside clinical care, we contribute to research, national policy and international scientific meetings. We:<\/p>\n