Metabolic Implications of Obesity, Weight Loss and Energy Expenditure following Gastric Restrictive Surgery

This review examines the energetics and metabolic parameters which influence the effectiveness of gastric restrictive surgery in achieving weight loss in the clinically severely obese patient. Among the subjects discussed are the metabolic determinents and consequences of obesity, energy expenditure and its components, factors other than dietary restriction and weight loss which affect energy expenditure, and the metabolic risk factors for weight gain. The role of exercise is reviewed, including the effects of exercise on energy balance and the thermic effect of food. The value of combining exercise with diet restriction, the effect of caloric restriction on the capacity to exercise and the place of exercise in the obese diabetic are examined. Finally, the metabolic consequences of gastric restrictive surgery, the adaptive response to surgically induced weight loss and nutritional recommendations following gastric restrictive surgery are reviewed.