Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery in Different Age Groups

Weight loss after bariatric operations may be reduced in older patients due to changes in metabolism. Some studies showed inferior weight loss in older patients compared to younger ones while others showed no such difference. In order to counsel patients about the expected weight loss after bariatric surgery, recommendations stratified by age are important.

This study encompasses a retrospective analysis of 500 consecutive patients with RYGB or sleeve gastrectomies from a single institution with a mean follow-up time of 3.6 years. Patients were stratified into five groups according to age at the time point of the operation: < 30 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, and ≥ 60 years.

Weight loss expressed in percent excessive body mass index loss (%EBMIL) at nadir were 86.6, 89.5, 84.0, 77.9, and 76.4% and 75.6, 78.4, 73.3, 68.0, and 69.0% at the time of last follow-up for the five groups, respectively. Weight loss was significantly higher in younger patients than in older patients for both time points. The total number of comorbidities that showed complete remission (normal values without treatment), was also significantly higher in the younger age groups.

Primary bariatric operations yield better weight loss results and remission rates of obesity related comorbidities in younger patients, but are still effective in older individuals.