Predictors of Weight Loss and Metabolic Health After Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is the result of a complex interplay between genetic and epigenetic predisposition, environment, physical activity, nutrition and psychology. It is a debilitating disorder and a risk factor for the development of metabolic disorders such as dyslipidaemia, hypertension and hyperglycaemia as well as certain cancers. Bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective treatment for morbid obesity with established long-term results of weight loss, remission of comorbid conditions and the improvement of Quality of Life (QoL). However, variability in these results after bariatric surgery is well known. Identifying preoperative predictors of postoperative weight loss and metabolic health is of clinical priority. Predictors could help further improve the efficacy of care for obesity by tailoring treatment to the individual, based on their predicted response and therefore optimize outcome after bariatric surgery.