Gender Differences in Weight Loss Extent Following Bariatric Surgery

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Obesity Medicine
• Gender Health Disparities

Background:

• Metabolic-bariatric surgery (MBS) is effective for severe obesity, yet gender disparities affect access and outcomes.
• Men have higher baseline weight and comorbidity but are underrepresented in MBS.
• Evidence on gender-specific outcomes, especially in Mediterranean populations, needs clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess gender differences in weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy in an Italian cohort.
• To evaluate outcomes under current multidisciplinary protocols.
• To inform equitable surgical access and postoperative care.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 131 patients (22 males, 109 females) undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.
• Assessment of anthropometric and metabolic parameters at baseline and 12 months.
• Comparison of absolute weight loss, total weight loss percentage (TWL%), excess weight loss percentage (EWL%), and waist circumference using t-tests and regression models.

Main Results:

• Men achieved significantly greater absolute weight loss (-36.6 kg) vs. women (-31.2 kg) at 12 months (p=0.028).
• No significant gender differences were found in TWL%, EWL%, or waist circumference reduction.
• Gender predicted absolute weight loss but not proportional weight loss; both genders reached similar clinically significant weight loss thresholds.

Conclusions:

• Men experienced greater absolute weight loss, but relative weight loss was comparable between genders post-sleeve gastrectomy.
• Gender disparities in MBS utilization persist.
• Findings underscore the need for equitable access and personalized postoperative care in bariatric surgery.