Study: Bariatric Surgery Beneficial for Adolescents with Severe Obesity

A new study found that bariatric surgery performed in adolescents resulted in long-term sustainable weight loss and improved cardiometabolic risk levels.

The researchers performed a prospective follow-up analysis on 58 individuals who underwent Roux-en-Y bypass between the ages of 13 and 21. BMI, comorbidities, micronutrient status, and other cardiometabolic risks were assessed 5 to 12 year after the surgery.
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The mean age of participants at the first follow-up was 17.1 years, and the mean BMI was 58·5 kg/m². The average follow-up time was 8 years, with an average age of 25.1, and the mean BMI measured at 41·7 kg/m². There were significant declines in elevated blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, and type 2 diabetes.

Mild anaemia was present in 25 patients at follow-up, 8 had low levels of vitamin B12, and 22 had hyperparathyroidism.

The study suggested that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery had a long-term impact on increased and sustainable weight loss, and reduced cardiometabolic risks in young adults.

“Long-term health maintenance after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass should focus on adherence to dietary supplements and screening and management of micronutrient deficiencies,” the researchers concluded.

—Melissa Weiss

Reference:

Inge TH, Jenkins TM, Xanthakos SA, et al. Long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in adolescents with severe obesity (FABS-5+): a prospective follow-up analysis [published online January 5, 2017]. Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(16)30315-1.