Published in:
01-07-2011 | Clinical Research
Bariatric Surgery versus Lifestyle Interventions for Morbid Obesity—Changes in Body Weight, Risk Factors and Comorbidities at 1 Year
Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 7/2011
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Background
Few studies have looked at non-surgical alternatives for morbid obese patients. This study aims to compare 1-year weight loss and changes in risk factors and comorbidities after bariatric surgery and three conservative treatments.
Methods
Patients with morbid obesity (BMI > 40 or BMI > 35 kg/m2 plus comorbidities) on waiting list for bariatric surgery, were non-randomly allocated to (A) bariatric surgery or to one of three conservative treatments; (B) residential intermittent program; (C) commercial weight loss camp and (D) hospital outpatient program. Body weight, risk factors and comorbidities were assessed at baseline and 1 year.
Results
Of 206 participants, 179 completed the study. All treatments resulted in significant weight loss, but bariatric surgery (40 ± 14 kg, 31 ± 9%) led to the largest weight loss (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in weight loss between B and C (22 ± 13 kg, 15 ± 8% vs. 18 ± 12 kg, 13 ± 8%), but these resulted in larger weight loss compared with D (7 ± 10 kg, 5 ± 8%). There were no differences in changes in total or LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols or glucose between groups; however, the increase in HDL cholesterol was significantly larger in groups A and C. There were no differences in comorbidities resolution between groups A and B, C and D combined (except hypertension, which was better in group A).
Conclusion
In conclusion, although bariatric surgery leads to a greater weight loss at 1 year compared with conservative treatment, in patients with morbid obesity, clinical significant weight loss and similar improvements in risk factors and comorbidities resolution can also be achieved with lifestyle interventions.