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Updated: May 17, 2026
Using Deuterium Oxide as a Non-Invasive, Non-Lethal Tool for Assessing Body Composition and Water Consumption in Mammals
Published on: February 20, 2020
Assessment of body composition following bariatric surgery using deuterium oxide-derived method in adults with morbid
Wei-Hsiang Tseng1, Kuo-Ting Lee2, Chin-Sung Chang3
1Department of Family Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan; SIN AN Otolaryngology Clinic, East District, Tainan, Taiwan; Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan.
Background:
Bariatric surgery produces substantial weight loss through metabolic and hormonal mechanisms, but how sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) differentially affect body composition remains unclear. Most studies rely on bioelectrical impedance analysis, which has recognized limitations in morbid obesity. The deuterium oxide (D2O) dilution method provides more accurate assessment yet has rarely been applied in this population.
Objectives:
To compare 6-month body composition changes measured by the D2O dilution method between adults undergoing SG and OAGB and to identify predictors of postoperative fat reduction.
Setting:
A tertiary academic medical center, Taiwan.
Methods:
This observational longitudinal study included adults with morbid obesity who received SG or OAGB. Of 79 patients enrolled, 68 completed 6-month follow-up, including 30 SGs and 38 OAGBs. Body composition was measured using the D2O dilution method.
Results:
At 6 months, body mass index decreased by 11.25 ± 4.04 kg/m2, corresponding to total weight loss of 25.04 ± 6.83%, excess weight loss of 61.09 ± 19.10%, and a 22.82 ± 19.79% reduction in percent body fat. No significant difference in fat reduction was observed between procedures. Patients with diabetes had greater fat reduction. Diabetes history and body mass index change were independent predictors of fat reduction.
Conclusions:
Both SG and OAGB produced comparable weight loss and change in body composition at 6 months. Diabetes status was an important modifier of postoperative fat reduction, supporting the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery.
