Bariatric surgery can significantly improve cardiometabolic functions such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and HbA1c. Researchers found that diabetes, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia disappeared in 30 to 50% of people who underwent bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery can lead to significant cardiometabolic improvements, especially in younger, female or white individuals and those without comorbidities, according to a study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
(red) In their study, the researchers examined more than 7800 people between the ages of 20 and 79 who had undergone bariatric surgery. Most of the participants were white and female, but the researchers found that there were also a significant number of males and blacks, a group that is usually underrepresented in bariatric surgery research. The scientists examined cardiometabolic improvements such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and HbA1c. They also measured the remission rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia and estimated the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers reported that older, male and black study participants had a small reduction in the 10-year risk of heart disease and were less likely to have diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia go into remission than younger, female or white participants. Participants with a history of these diseases also showed less cardiometabolic improvement than participants without these diseases.
Severe obesity is fatal, and the bodies of those affected are 10 to 20 years older than their chronological age. Heart disease is the biggest killer. Bariatric surgery slows down the clock and helps a person to get back close to their true age. The term bariatric surgery covers various types of treatment for obesity:
Sleeve gastrectomy: In a sleeve gastrectomy, around 80% of the stomach is removed. This leads to a feeling of fullness for several hours after eating a small meal. The average weight loss five years after the procedure is around 60% of the excess weight.
Gastric bypass: During this operation, changes are made to the stomach and intestines. The stomach is reduced in size and the digestive process bypasses part of the small intestine. This limits the body’s intake of calories and nutrients. As with the gastric sleeve, those affected feel fuller after eating a smaller amount of food, are fuller for longer and are less hungry. Studies have shown that most patients still have 50% of their excess weight loss 20 years after the operation.
Bariatric surgery is a major surgical procedure that helps people lose weight, but it leads to more than just weight loss. There are metabolic changes that occur after surgery, such as changes in hormones, which can contribute to obesity and heart health. However, much more research is needed to better understand this. One thing remains certain: Adapting eating and lifestyle habits is crucial for long-term success.
Source: Wang L, O’Brien MT, Zhang X, et al: Cardiometabolic Improvements After Metabolic Surgery and Related Presurgery Factors, Journal of the Endocrine Society, Volume 8, Issue 5, May 2024, bvae027, https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvae027.
CARDIOVASC 2024; 23(1): 19
