Do Food Preferences Change After Bariatric Surgery?

Area of Science:

• Bariatric surgery
• Human physiology
• Appetitive behavior

Background:

• Traditional views attribute weight loss after bariatric surgery (BS) to mechanical restriction and caloric malabsorption.
• Emerging evidence suggests altered diet selection, favoring low-sugar and low-fat foods, may also contribute to weight loss and health benefits.
• However, empirical support for this phenomenon is inconsistent, often relying on subjective self-reported data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of physiological mechanisms driving weight loss post-bariatric surgery.
• To investigate the evidence for altered food preferences and selection after bariatric surgery.
• To explore the role of learned behaviors and the durability of dietary changes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on weight loss mechanisms after bariatric surgery.
• Analysis of studies examining changes in caloric intake and food preferences.
• Consideration of behavioral tests, primarily from animal models, and their applicability to humans.
• Evaluation of indirect measurements like self-reported food intake data.

Main Results:

• Most studies indicate reduced caloric intake and a decreased preference for high-sugar and high-fat foods post-bariatric surgery.
• Direct behavioral measures in humans are rare, with most evidence derived from animal models or indirect human data.
• Results on changes in the palatability of high-fat and sugary foods versus appetitive drive are equivocal in humans.
• Evidence suggests learning processes may influence diet selection over time, but its role and durability remain unclear.

Conclusions:

• Weight loss after bariatric surgery involves more than just reduced intake; altered food preferences appear significant.
• Direct measurement of human food selection behavior post-bariatric surgery is needed to confirm these findings.
• The long-term impact of learning on diet selection and the durability of these changes require further investigation.