Efficacy of adjuvant weight loss medication after bariatric surgery

Obesity Management Medications as Adjuncts to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Consensus Recommendations from India

Obesity is a global health concern, with weight regain (WR) common after bariatric surgery. Clear guidelines on post-surgical medication use are essential. This expert consensus evaluates the role of obesity management medications (OMMs) in optimizing weight loss (WL) and preventing WR in individuals undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Using a modified Delphi approach, a panel of 12 experts reviewed evidence and formulated consensus recommendations. Two voting rounds led to consensus on 11 of 15 statements, covering preoperative WL strategies and postoperative weight management. The recommendations guide OMM selection, timing, and effectiveness in enhancing WL outcomes. Integrating OMMs into bariatric care protocols can help clinicians improve long-term success rates in obesity management.

Obesity medications in patients with recurrent weight gain or suboptimal clinical response following bariatric surgery: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative recurrent weight gain or suboptimal clinical response are important concerns; however, there is no consensus regarding the use of pharmacotherapy to manage weight after bariatric surgery. Hence, it is reasonable to combine the available data to provide a practical guideline for clinicians about the administration of obesity medications for patients with recurrent weight gain or suboptimal clinical response after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a search of electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and the Web of Science, up to December 2024. The eligible studies included randomized controlled trials or retrospective studies that assessed the effects of obesity medications on weight, body mass index (BMI), or percentage total weight loss (%TWL) in patients experiencing recurrent weight gain or a suboptimal clinical response following bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis reviewed 26 relevant studies and demonstrated that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduced weight by 8.38 kg (95% CI: -9.68 to -7.08) and BMI by 3.76 kg/m² (95% CI: -4.50 to -3.01). The overall %TWL was 9.94% (95% CI: 8.34 to 11.53). After subgroup analysis, we found that the effect of semaglutide on %TWL was significantly greater than that of liraglutide. In terms of non-GLP-1 receptor agonists, patients achieved a weight loss of 2.97 kg (95% CI: -4.00 to -1.95), a BMI loss of 1.41 kg/m² (95% CI: -2.28 to -0.53), and a % TWL of 4.50% (95% CI: 2.86 to 6.15). The subgroup analysis suggested that combination therapy had more pronounced effects on outcomes than monotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that obesity medications may be an effective adjunctive therapy to maintain weight loss post-bariatric surgery.

Efficacy and Safety of GLP- 1 Receptor Agonists in the Management of Weight Recurrence or Suboptimal Clinical Response after Undergoing Metabolic Bariatric Surgeries: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a pressing requirement to formulate innovative approaches for addressing inadequate weight loss or recurrence in individuals following metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). Glucagon-like peptide- 1 (GLP- 1) analogues such as liraglutide and semaglutide have been formulated for treating type 2 diabetes or managing obesity. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to pool the results from all available studies on GLP- 1 agonists to assess the efficacy of these drugs in weight recurrence or suboptimal clinical response of patients who underwent MBS.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception till October 2024 for articles that fulfil our eligibility to be included in the systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the use of GLP- 1 agonists in the management of weight recurrence or suboptimal clinical response in patients who underwent MBS. The search strategy was as follows: "Liraglutide" OR "Semaglutide" OR "Tirzepatide" OR "GLP- 1" OR "Glucagon like peptide" AND "Weight" AND "Bariatric" OR "Sleeve" OR "Banding" OR "Roux-en-Y bypass. We used the mean difference (MD) to compare between continuous variables at a confidence interval (CI) of 95%, and p-value of 0.05.

RESULTS

The use of GLP- 1 agonists (liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide) was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the weight of the included patients showing an overall MD = 8.07 kg (95%CI: 5.5, 10.64, p < 0.00001) and I2 = 44%, p = 0.04. Moreover, these drugs (liraglutide, and semaglutide) showed significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) after treatment with overall MD = 4.42 kg/m2 (95%CI: 3.42, 5.42, p < 0.00001), and I2 = 67%, p = 0.0005. Compared with control group, the use of GLP- 1 agonists was associated with reduced weight with MD = - 9.19% (95%CI: - 10.81, - 7.58, p < 0.00001) and I2 = 0%. However, no difference was observed between both groups regarding BMI change with MD = - 1.97% (95%CI: - 4.65, 0.71, p = 0.15).

CONCLUSION

GLP- 1 agonists such as liraglutide and semaglutide effectively lower body weight and BMI in patients who suffer from weight recurrence or suboptimal clinical response after undergoing MBS. However, future studies are still warranted to investigate the most appropriate protocols for management.

A roadmap for clinical trials in MASH-related compensated cirrhosis

Although metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is rapidly becoming a leading cause of cirrhosis worldwide, therapeutic options are limited and the number of clinical trials in MASH-related compensated cirrhosis is low as compared to those conducted in earlier disease stages. Moreover, designing clinical trials in MASH cirrhosis presents a series of challenges regarding the understanding and conceptualization of the natural history, regulatory considerations, inclusion criteria, recruitment, end points and trial duration, among others. The first international workshop on the state of the art and future direction of clinical trials in MASH-related compensated cirrhosis was held in April 2023 at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona (Spain) and was attended by a group of international experts on clinical trials from academia, regulatory agencies and industry, encompassing expertise in MASH, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and regulatory affairs. The presented Roadmap summarizes important content of the workshop on current status, regulatory requirements and end points in MASH-related compensated cirrhosis clinical trials, exploring alternative study designs and highlighting the challenges that should be considered for upcoming studies on MASH cirrhosis.

Stronger control of eating 3 months after sleeve gastrectomy predicts successful weight loss outcomes at one year

Background

Weight loss response to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is variable and predicting the effectiveness of surgery is challenging and elusive. The aim of our study was to assess and quantify the association between eating control and weight loss outcomes and identify the control of eating (CoE) attributes during the early postoperative period that might predict good vs. poor response to SG at one year.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal cohort study using the Control of Eating Questionnaire (CoEQ) was designed as a series before and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-SG. Primary outcomes were changes in CoE attributes and percent of total weight loss (%TWL) 12-months post-surgery. Subjects were categorized based on %TWL as good (GR, ≥25 %) or poor responders (PR, <25 %). A receiver operating characteristic and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

We included 41 participants (80.5% females, 51.2% Hispanic, mean age 41.7±10.6, median baseline body mass index (BMI) 43.6 kg/m2 [range 35.2-66.3]) who completed the CoEQ at all four timepoints. The "Difficulty to control eating" score at 3 months revealed the highest area under the curve (AUC) (AUC 0.711; 95%CI 0.524-0.898; p=0.032). In a trade-off between a high Youden index and high sensitivity, the "Difficulty to control eating" score of 7 at 3 months was identified as the optimal cut-off for distinguishing between GRs and PRs. Score ≤7 at 3 months was strongly independently associated with a successful weight loss target of 25%TWL at one-year post-SG (Relative Risk 4.43; 95%CI 1.06-18.54; p=0.042).

Conclusion

"Difficulty to control eating" score at 3 months post-SG is an independent early predictor of optimal response (achieving a successful TWL target of ≥25 % at one-year post-SG). Our results support the utility of this easy-to-administer validated tool for predicting the effectiveness of SG and may assist in identifying individuals with suboptimal response early and helping them with interventions to attain optimal weight loss targets.

Pharmacotherapy as an Augmentation to Bariatric Surgery for Obesity

A global obesity pandemic is one of the most significant health threats worldwide owing to its close association with numerous comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart failure, cancer and many others. Obesity and its comorbidities lead to a higher rate of cardiovascular complications, heart failure and increased cardiovascular and overall mortality. Bariatric surgery is at present the most potent therapy for obesity, inducing a significant weight loss in the majority of patients. In the long-term, a substantial proportion of patients after bariatric surgery experience a gradual weight regain that may, in some, reach up to a presurgical body weight. As a result, anti-obesity pharmacotherapy may be needed in some patients after bariatric surgery to prevent the weight regain or to further potentiate weight loss. This article provides an overview of the use of anti-obesity medications as an augmentation to bariatric surgery for obesity. Despite relatively limited published data, it can be concluded that anti-obesity medication can serve as an effective adjunct therapy to bariatric surgery to help boost post-bariatric weight loss or prevent weight regain.

Liraglutide for the Treatment of Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy of liraglutide for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity is well established, but their role in the treatment of weight regain after bariatric surgery remains unclear.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases in January 2024. A random-effects model was employed to compute mean differences (MD) and events per 100 observations with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for continuous and binary endpoints. Statistical analysis was performed using R software.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies were included and 881 individuals. Patients were mostly female (50%), aged 36 to 55 years, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 39.4 kg/m2, and had BS surgery 5 years prior. Over a mean follow-up time ranging from 3 months to 4 years, it was observed a statistically significant reduction in BMI (MD - 8.56 kg/m2; 95% CI 3.34 to 13.79; p < 0.01) and a mean reduction in total weight (MD - 16.03 kg; 95% CI 0.03 to 32.02; p = 0.05) after liraglutide use. Additionally, 65% of patients undertaking liraglutide showed total body weight loss (BWL) above 5% (65.8 events per 100 observations; 95% CI 54.96 to 75.20; p < 0.01), while 26% lost more than 10% of total BWL (26.77 events per 100 observations; 95% CI 19.17 to 36.02; p < 0.01). A limitation is a variability between the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the use of liraglutide for weight management in patients who experience weight regain after BS. Liraglutide is well tolerated and promotes significant weight loss, providing clinicians with a therapeutic option for this clinical challenge.

Three-Month Excessive Body Weight Loss < 37.7% as a Predictor of Mid-term Suboptimal Outcomes Postlaparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Risk Factors and the Impact of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio on Adipocyte Function

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of achieving < 37.7% excess body-weight loss (EBWL) within 3 months of postlaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on clinical outcomes and its correlation with adipocyte function.

METHODS

Patients (n = 176) who underwent LSG between January 2019 and January 2023 were included. Weight loss and status of health markers were monitored postoperatively. The cohort was stratified based on EBWL < 37.7% at 3 months or not. Variables including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), insulin resistance, and comorbidities were analyzed. Omental visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were used to analyze the differences in adipocyte function by western blot.

RESULTS

Patients with EBWL < 37.7% at 3 months post-LSG (suboptimal group) comprised less likelihood of achieving ≥ 50% EBWL than those who achieved ≥ 37.7% EBWL (optimal group) at 6 months (42.55% vs. 95.52% in optimal group, p < 0.001), 12 months (85.11% vs. 99.25% in optimal group, p < 0.001) and 24 months (77.14% vs. 94.74% in optimal group, p = 0.009) post-LSG. High BMI (OR = 1.222, 95% CI 1.138-1.312, p < 0.001), NLR ≥ 2.36 (OR = 2.915, 95% CI 1.257-6.670, p = 0.013), and female sex (OR = 3.243, 95% CI 1.306-8.051, p = 0.011) significantly predicted EBWL < 37.7% at 3 months post-LSG. Patients with NLR ≥ 2.36 had significantly lower adipose triglyceride lipase in omental fat (p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

EBWL < 37.7% at 3 months post-LSG is a strong predictor of subsequent suboptimal weight loss. High BMI, NLR ≥ 2.36, and female sex are risk factors in predicting EBWL < 37.7% at 3 months post-LSG. These findings may offer a reference to apply adjuvant weight loss medications to patients who are predisposed to suboptimal outcomes.

Pharmacological treatment of non-responders following bariatric surgery

Obesity is a complex chronic disease and requires a long-term multidisciplinary management. Even patients undergoing bariatric surgery, one the most effective treatments for obesity, can have insufficient weight loss (IWL) than expected (primary non responder) or weight regain (WR) after a successful primary procedure (secondary non responder). A poor response represents a challenge of bariatric surgery that can induce persistence or recurrence of obesity-related comorbidities, prejudicing benefits of surgery. Increasing evidence suggests that weight loss medications represent a useful strategy in obesity care also after bariatric surgery procedures. This narrative review summarizes the evidence concerning anti-obesity therapy in the management of no-responders to primary bariatric surgery. Available data on liraglutide (one randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, three prospective and three retrospective studies), naltrexone/bupropion (three retrospective studies), orlistat (one case control prospective and one retrospective studies) and topiramate and phentermine (five retrospective studies) have been considered. Available data suggest that weight loss medications could offer a significant adjunctive benefit to lifestyle and behavioral modifications in the life-long management of obesity. Newer treatment modalities including the use of anti-obesity drugs provide patients and healthcare providers with more options in the management of poor response after bariatric surgery.

Adjuvant and Neo-Adjuvant Anti-Obesity Medications and Bariatric Surgery: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To comprehensively summarize the current body of literature on the topic of adjuvant and neoadjuvant pharmacotherapy used in combination with bariatric surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) have been used since the mid-1900s; however, their use in combination with bariatric surgery is a newer area of research that is rapidly growing. Pharmacotherapy may be used before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) bariatric surgery. Recent literature suggests that adjuvant AOMs may address weight regain and inadequate weight loss following bariatric surgery. Research on neoadjuvant AOM used to optimize weight loss before bariatric surgery is more limited. A literature review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Thirty-four studies were included after screening and exclusion of irrelevant records. Included studies were as follows: seven prospective studies on adjuvant AOM use, 23 retrospective studies on adjuvant AOM use, one prospective study on adjuvant and neoadjuvant AOM use, one retrospective study on adjuvant or neoadjuvant AOM use, one prospective study on neoadjuvant AOM use, and one case series on neoadjuvant AOM use. In the following scoping review, each of these studies is discussed with the goal of presenting a complete synthesis of the current body of literature on AOM use in combination with bariatric surgery.

Evaluating the use of adjuvant and neoadjuvant terminology in bariatric surgery: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Weight regain and inadequate weight loss are common after bariatric surgery. Literature is emerging regarding the use of pharmacotherapy with bariatric surgery as a potential solution to these adverse effects. Pharmacotherapy may be used before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) bariatric surgery, although this terminology has not been standardized. As a rapidly growing area of research, there is opportunity to standardize terminology for future ease of research, data synthesis, and communication. This review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the use of the terms "adjuvant" and "neoadjuvant" to describe pharmacotherapy used in combination with bariatric surgery and propose standardized terminology for future research.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted systematically and in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies were included if they were published after 1999; were randomized controlled trials, prospective/retrospective cohort studies, or case series; and used human subjects that were adults at least 18 years of age. The use of the terms "neoadjuvant" and "adjuvant" was analyzed over time.

RESULTS

Thirty-four publications were included. Thirty-two (94.1%) studied the use of adjuvant pharmacotherapy after bariatric surgery. Four (11.8%) studied the use of pharmacotherapy before bariatric surgery, and 1 used the term "neoadjuvant" to describe medications used before bariatric surgery. Eight publications used the term "adjuvant" to describe medications used after bariatric surgery.

CONCLUSION

Standardized terminology is needed to ease future understanding, evidence synthesis, and dissemination of work. We propose that the terms "neoadjuvant" and "adjuvant" become the standard terminology to describe pharmacotherapy use before and after bariatric surgery, respectively.

Multidisciplinary combined treatment based on bariatric surgery for metabolic syndrome: a review article

As a chronic, multifactorial disease, obesity is associated with a global social and economic burden. This condition significantly affects normal daily life and healthy social interactions, and shortens the life expectancy of patients. Compared with traditional weight-loss methods, the emergence of bariatric surgery has effectively improved the management of obesity. Furthermore, bariatric surgery can also inhibit the progression of multiple metabolic diseases. Despite its potential advantages, bariatric surgery cannot completely eliminate the possibility of weight regain and inadequate weight loss following the procedure. For super-obese patients, bariatric surgery still remains a surgical risk. In addition, the psychological problems and poor eating habits of obese patients also affect the weight loss effect and daily life. Thus, various adjuvant therapies involving multiple disciplines have attracted people's attention. Recently, it has been recognized that the combination of multiple interventions based on bariatric surgery is more advantageous than a single intervention in alleviating the complex and diverse metabolic diseases associated with obesity. The combined therapy considerably enhances the long-term efficacy of bariatric surgery and plays a positive role in the mental health and social lives of patients. In this article, the authors review this multidisciplinary combination therapy to enhance the current understanding of the treatment of obesity.

Utilization of Anti-obesity Medications After Bariatric Surgery: Analysis of a Large National Database

PURPOSE

A significant proportion of patients experience insufficient weight loss or weight regain after bariatric surgery. There is a paucity of literature describing anti-obesity medication (AOM) use following bariatric surgery. We sought to identify prevalence and trends of AOM use following bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We utilized the IBM Explorys® database to identify all adults with prior bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy). Those prescribed AOMs (semaglutide, liraglutide, topiramate, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion, orlistat) within 5 years of surgery were further identified. Data was analyzed to characterize AOM utilization among different age, demographic, and comorbid populations.

RESULTS

A total of 59,160 adults with prior bariatric surgery were included. Among AOMs studies, prevalence of use was highest for topiramate (8%), followed by liraglutide (2.9%), phentermine/topiramate (1.03%), naltrexone/bupropion (0.95%) semaglutide (0.52%), and orlistat (0.17%). Age distribution varied, with the highest utilization among those age 35-39 years for topiramate, 40-44 years for phentermine/topiramate and naltrexone/bupropion, 45-49 years for semaglutide, and 65-69 years for liraglutide and orlistat. African American race was associated with higher utilization across all AOMs. Among comorbidities, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus were most associated with AOM use.

CONCLUSION

Despite a relatively high incidence of weight regain, AOMs are underutilized following bariatric surgery. It is imperative that barriers to their use be addressed and that AOMs be considered earlier and more frequently in patients with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after bariatric surgery.

Effectiveness and safety of drugs for obesity

Recent publicity around the use of new antiobesity medications (AOMs) has focused the attention of patients and healthcare providers on the role of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of obesity. Newer drug treatments have shown greater efficacy and safety compared with older drug treatments, yet access to these drug treatments is limited by providers' discomfort in prescribing, bias, and stigma around obesity, as well as by the lack of insurance coverage. Now more than ever, healthcare providers must be able to discuss the risks and benefits of the full range of antiobesity medications available to patients, and to incorporate both guideline based advice and emerging real world clinical evidence into daily clinical practice. The tremendous variability in response to antiobesity medications means that clinicians need to use a flexible approach that takes advantage of specific features of the antiobesity medication selected to provide the best option for individual patients. Future research is needed on how best to use available drug treatments in real world practice settings, the potential role of combination therapies, and the cost effectiveness of antiobesity medications. Several new drug treatments are being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials, suggesting that the future for pharmacotherapy of obesity is bright.

Weight Regain after Metabolic Surgery: Beyond the Surgical Failure

Patients undergoing metabolic surgery have factors ranging from anatomo-surgical, endocrine metabolic, eating patterns and physical activity, mental health and psychological factors. Some of the latter can explain the possible pathophysiological neuroendocrine, metabolic, and adaptive mechanisms that cause the high prevalence of weight regain in postbariatric patients. Even metabolic surgery has proven to be effective in reducing excess weight in patients with obesity; some of them regain weight after this intervention. In this vein, several studies have been conducted to search factors and mechanisms involved in weight regain, to stablish strategies to manage this complication by combining metabolic surgery with either lifestyle changes, behavioral therapies, pharmacotherapy, endoscopic interventions, or finally, surgical revision. The aim of this revision is to describe certain aspects and mechanisms behind weight regain after metabolic surgery, along with preventive and therapeutic strategies for this complication.

Effectiveness and tolerability of liraglutide for the management of weight regain following sleeve gastrectomy

Background

There is currently very little research evidence on the benefits and safety of liraglutide in the management of weight regain or inadequate weight loss following metabolic and bariatric surgery. This study aimed to determine the clinical effectiveness and tolerability of liraglutide as an adjunct therapy for managing weight regain and inadequate weight loss following sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of medical records conducted at a private clinic in Kuwait.

Results

Data of 57 post-SG patients were included in the analysis. The mean (±SD) pre-treatment weight was 96.12 (29.26) kg. Following a median liraglutide treatment duration of approximately 3 months, the mean post-treatment weight was 90.19 (26.82) kg. This represents a statistically significant mean weight loss of 5.94 (6.31) kg (p < 0.001), corresponding to a loss of 6.20% of pre-treatment weight. Patients aged 31-40 years achieved a greater post-treatment weight loss of 7.63 (7.41) kg, a loss of 7.80%, relative to age groups after treatment (p = 0.047). Patients who tolerated ≥2.4 mg of liraglutide recorded a higher mean weight loss of 8.42 (7.63) kg, a loss of 8.10% (p = 0.010).

Conclusion

The use of liraglutide may be an effective adjunct treatment for weight optimization following SG. Maximizing the tolerable dose may yield greater weight reduction.

Combining transoral outlet reduction with pharmacotherapy yields similar 1-year efficacy with improved safety compared with surgical revision for weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (with videos)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) and antiobesity medication (AOM) are effective treatments for weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This study aims to assess the efficacy of combination therapy (TORe + AOM) for treating weight regain and to compare the safety and efficacy of combination therapy with AOM alone, TORe alone, and surgical revision of RYGB.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of RYGB patients with weight regain who underwent combination therapy, defined as initiation of at least 1 AOM within 6 months before or after TORe. Outcomes were weight loss after combination therapy and comparison of combination therapy with AOM alone, TORe alone, and surgical revision.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five RYGB patients underwent combination therapy. Most commonly prescribed AOMs were topiramate, phentermine/topiramate, phentermine, and liraglutide. At 12 months, patients experienced 15.2% ± 7.4% total weight loss (TWL). Ninety percent of patients achieved ≥5% TWL at 12 months. Combination therapy was associated with greater weight loss than AOM alone (15.2% ± 7.4% vs 6.8% ± 8.2% TWL, P < .0001) or TORe alone (15.2% ± 7.4% vs 8.7% ± 8.3% TWL, P < .0001), with similar serious adverse event rates (2.1% vs 4.7% vs .6% for combination therapy vs AOM alone vs TORe alone, P > .05). Combination therapy yielded similar weight loss to surgical revision (15.2% ± 7.4% vs 16.4% ± 13.1% TWL, P = .34), with a lower serious adverse event rate (2.1% vs 14.3%, P = .0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of TORe with AOM is superior to either therapy alone, providing similar efficacy to surgical revision with a better safety profile for the treatment of weight regain after RYGB.

Non-response After Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy-the Theoretical Need for Revisional Bariatric Surgery: Results from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry

BACKGROUND

Revisional surgery is a second-line treatment option after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GBP) in patients with primary or secondary non-response. The aim was to analyze the theoretical need for revisional surgery after SG and GBP when applying four indication benchmarks.

METHOD

Based on data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry, SG and GBP were compared regarding four endpoints: 1. excess weight loss (%EWL) < 50%, 2. weight regain of more than 10 kg after nadir, 3. fulfillment of previous IFSO-guidelines, or 4. ADA criteria for bariatric metabolic surgery 2 years after primary surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 60,426 individuals were included in the study (SG: n = 7856 and GBP: n = 52,570). Compared to patients in the GBP group, more SG patients failed to achieve a %EWL > 50% (23.0% versus 8.5%, p < .001), regained more than 10 kg after nadir (4.3% versus 2.5%, p < .001), and more often fulfilled the IFSO criteria (8.0% versus 4.5%, p < .001) or the ADA criteria (3.3% versus 1.8%, p < 001) at the 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

SG is associated with a higher risk for weight non-response compared to GBP. To offer revisional bariatric surgery to all non-responders exceeds the bounds of feasibility and operability. Hence, individual prioritization and intensified evaluation of alternative second-line treatments are necessary.

What About My Weight? Insufficient Weight Loss or Weight Regain After Bariatric Metabolic Surgery

Context

This review study aimed to investigate the definition, etiology, risk factors (RFs), management strategy, and prevention of insufficient weight loss (IWL) and weight regain (WR) following bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS).

Evidence Acquisition

Electronic databases were searched to retrieve relevant articles. The inclusion criteria were English articles with adult participants assessing the definition, prevalence, etiology, RFs, management strategy, and prevention of IWL/WR.

Results

Definition: The preferred definition for post-BMS IWL/WR are the terms "Lack of maintenance of total weight loss (TWL)>20%" and "weight change in percentage compared to nadir weight or weight loss". Prevalence: The exact prevalence of IWL/WR is still being determined due to the type of BMS and various definitions. Etiology: Several mechanisms, including hormonal/metabolic, dietary non-adherence, physical inactivity, mental health, and anatomic surgical failure, are possible etiologies of post-BMS IWL/WR. Risk factors: Preoperative body mass index (BMI), male gender, psychiatric conditions, comorbidities, age, poor diet, eating disorders, poor follow-ups, insufficient physical activity, micronutrients, and genetic-epigenetic factors are the most important RFs. Management Strategy: The basis of treatment is lifestyle interventions, including dietary, physical activity, psychological, and behavioral therapy. Pharmacotherapy can be added. In the last treatment line, different techniques of endoscopic surgery and revisional surgery can be used. Prevention: Behavioral and psychotherapeutic interventions, dietary therapy, and physical activity therapy are the essential components of prevention.

Conclusions

Many definitions exist for WR, less so for IWL. Etiologies and RFs are complex and multifactorial; therefore, the management and prevention strategy is multidisciplinary. Some knowledge gaps, especially for IWL, exist, and these gaps must be filled to strengthen the evidence used to guide patient counseling, selection, and improved outcomes.

Preoperative and early adjuvant weight loss medications in bariatric surgery patients with body mass index over 60 or suboptimal initial response to surgery

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the adjuvant use of antiobesity medications with surgery, especially in the pre- and early postoperative periods.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the impact of adjuvant pharmacotherapy on bariatric surgery outcomes.

SETTING

University hospital, United States.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients receiving adjuvant pharmacotherapy for obesity treatment and bariatric surgery. Patients received pharmacotherapy either preoperatively if their body mass index was >60, or in the first or second postoperative years for suboptimal weight loss. Outcome measures included percentage of total body weight loss as well as comparison with the expected weight loss curve as determined by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Risk/Benefit Calculator.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patients were included in the study, with 93 (94.9%) undergoing sleeve gastrectomy and 5 (5.1%) undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. During the study period, patients were prescribed phentermine and/or topiramate. At postoperative year 1, patients who received pharmacotherapy preoperatively lost 31.3% of their total body weight (TBW) compared with 25.3% TBW for patients with suboptimal weight loss who received medication in the first postoperative year, and 20.8% TBW for patients who did not receive any antiobesity medication in the first postoperative year. Using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) curve for comparison, patients receiving medication preoperatively weighed 2.4% less than expected, whereas patients receiving medication during the first postoperative year weighed 4.8% higher than expected.

CONCLUSION

For patients having bariatric surgery who fall below the expected MBSAQIP weight loss curve, early initiation of antiobesity medications can improve the weight loss, with preoperative pharmacotherapy having the greatest effect.

Combination anti-obesity medications to effectively treat bariatric surgery weight regain at an academic obesity center

Background

Combination anti-obesity medications (AOMs) to treat postoperative bariatric surgery weight regain have limited data on their use in the clinical setting. Understanding the optimal treatment protocol in this cohort will maximize weight loss outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review of bariatric surgery patients (N = 44) presenting with weight regain at a single academic multidisciplinary obesity center who were prescribed AOM(s) plus intensive lifestyle modification for 12 months.

Results

Age: 28-76 years old, 93% female, mean weight 110.2 ± 20.3 kg, BMI 39.7 ± 7.4 kg/m2, presenting 5.2 ± 1.6 years post-bariatric surgery [27 (61.4%), 14 (31.8%), and 3 (6.8%) laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), and open RYGB, respectively], with 15.1 ± 11.1 kg mean weight gain from nadir. Mean weight loss after medical intervention at 3-, 6-, and 12-month time points was 4.4 ± 4.6 kg, 7.3 ± 7.0 kg, and 10.7 ± 9.2 kg, respectively. At 12 months, individuals prescribed 3 or more AOMs lost more weight than those prescribed one (-14.5 ± 9.0 kg vs. -4.9 ± 5.7 kg, p < 0.05) irrespective of age, gender, number of comorbidities, initial weight or BMI, type of surgery, or GLP1 use. RYGB patients lost less weight overall (7.4% vs. 14.8% VSG respectively; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Combination AOMs may be needed to achieve optimal weight loss results to treat post-operative weight regain.

Impact on Cardiovascular Health of Using Phentermine/Topiramate in Combination With Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Super Obesity

INTRODUCTION

Management of patients with BMI≥50 kg/m² is challenging. In previous work, pre and postoperative pharmacotherapy with phentermine/topiramate plus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (PT + SG) promoted greater weight loss than sleeve gastrectomy (SG) alone at 24 mo postoperatively. This current secondary analysis studied the impact of PT + SG on blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and antihypertensive usage.

METHODS

Patients with BMI≥50 kg/m² planning to have SG (n = 13) were recruited from 2014 to 2016, at an academic medical center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for this open-label trial. Participants took phentermine/topiramate (PT; 7.5/46-15/92 mg/d) for ≥3 mo preoperatively and 24 mo postoperatively. The control group (n = 40) underwent SG during the same time frame. We used mixed models for BP and heart rate to compare PT + SG versus SG alone over time, adjusted for age, sex, and initial BP.

RESULTS

By 24 mo postoperatively the model adjusted changes in systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) (mm Hg) were -24.44 (-34.46,-14.43)/-28.60 (-40.74,-16.46) in the PT + SG group versus -11.81 (-17.58,-6.05)/-13.89 (-21.32,-6.46) in the control group (SBP P = 0.02; DBP P = 0.03). At baseline 8 (61.5%) participants in the PT + SG arm and 22 (55.0%) in the control group used antihypertensives. Excluding patients lost to follow-up (n = 3), by 24 mo postoperatively, none of the PT + SG participants were on antihypertensives compared to 14 (41.2%) in the control group (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BMI≥50 kg/m² treated with PT + SG had greater improvement in BP with no use of antihypertensive medication at 24 mo postoperatively versus SG alone, where 41% continued medication use. Larger trials are required to evaluate this.

Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery: Scope of the Problem, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment of severe obesity, a proportion of patients experience clinically significant weight regain (WR) with further out from surgery. The purpose of this review is to summarize the prevalence, predictors, and causes of weight regain.

RECENT FINDINGS

Estimating the prevalence of WR is limited by a lack of consensus on its definition. While anatomic failures such as dilated gastric fundus after sleeve gastrectomy and gastro-gastric fistula after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can lead to WR, the most common causes appear to be dysregulated/maladaptive eating behaviors, lifestyle factors, and physiological compensatory mechanisms. To date, dietary, supportive, behavioral, and exercise interventions have not demonstrated a clinically meaningful impact on WR, and there is limited evidence for pharmacotherapy. Future studies should be aimed at better defining WR to begin to understand the etiologies. Additionally, there is a need for non-surgical interventions with demonstrated efficacy in rigorous randomized controlled trials for the prevention and reversal of WR after bariatric surgery.

Successful Pregnancy in a Woman of Advanced Maternal Age at Sixteen Months Post-Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Revision

Obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m², complicates maternal and neonatal outcomes. Bariatric surgery (BS) is an option for weight reduction in several populations, including reproductive-aged women. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the ideal time interval between BS and pregnancy. We report the case of a 43-year-old Hispanic female who underwent an initial Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 2011, followed by a revision eight years later in 2019. The revision entailed the reduction of the gastric pouch size and the excision of the remnant stomach. It occurred sixteen months before the conception of her second pregnancy. Despite advanced maternal age and nutritional challenges following BS, this patient delivered a healthy male neonate and maintained a net weight loss compared to her preoperative weight. Factors leading to this positive outcome included the patient's adherence to dietary recommendations following the procedure and using weight loss adjuncts (phentermine and topiramate) to promote post-procedure weight loss. Sixteen months between RYGB revision and conception can lead to positive pregnancy outcomes, even in women of advanced maternal age and multiple prior BS. Further studies are required to understand better the optimal interval to reduce maternal and neonatal complications following RYGB specifically and the use of medications as weight loss adjuncts.

Obesity in South and Southeast Asia-A new consensus on care and management

Obesity is a chronic disease in which the abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat leads to impaired health and increased risk of mortality and chronic health complications. Prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly in South and Southeast Asia, with potentially serious consequences for local economies, healthcare systems, and quality of life. Our group of obesity specialists from Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Viet Nam undertook to develop consensus recommendations for management and care of adults and children with obesity in South and Southeast Asia. To this end, we identified and researched 12 clinical questions related to obesity. These questions address the optimal approaches for identifying and staging obesity, treatment (lifestyle, behavioral, pharmacologic, and surgical options) and maintenance of reduced weight, as well as issues related to weight stigma and patient engagement in the clinical setting. We achieved consensus on 42 clinical recommendations that address these questions. An algorithm describing obesity care is presented, keyed to the various consensus recommendations.

Pharmaco-endoscopic therapy for weight regain post-gastric bypass: a case report

About 1 in every 4 patients who undergo bariatric surgery regains significant amount of weight some time along their journey, posing it as a serious problem that needs to be addressed in a pandemic of obesity. Lifestyle modification, anti-obesity medications, and bariatric endoscopy are multiple therapeutic options that can be used to support any weight loss attempt. A 53-year-old woman with morbid obesity who responded adequately to gastric-bypass regained significant weight 8 years later. We initially approached her post-operative weight regain in a behavioral, pharmacologic non-invasive manner; however, she failed to appropriately respond to several anti-obesity medications. Upper endoscopy revealed a dilated gastric pouch and gastro-jejunal anastomosis (GJA) that was reduced using argon plasma coagulation (APC), but also with a modest response. We then added liraglutide to her APC endo-therapy sessions and subsequentially patient started losing significantly more weight. For selective post-bariatric surgery weight re-gainers, endoscopic and pharmaco-therapy combined may be needed for more effective results.

Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass to Enhance Weight Loss: Single Enterprise Mid-Term Outcomes and Literature Review

Background

Suboptimal weight loss (SWL) occurs up to 30% after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (cRYGB) has shown heterogeneous results in terms of additional weight loss and resolution of weight-related comorbidities. We aim to evaluate mid-term outcomes of cRYGB specifically for SWL after SG.

Methods

All patients who underwent cRYGB for SWL from April 2010 to June 2019 from prospective registries at three affiliated tertiary care centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent revision or conversion for complications were excluded. Mixed-effects and polynomial regression models were used to evaluate weight loss results after conversion.

Results

Thirty-two patients underwent cRYGB from SG. About 68.7% were women with mean age of 46.6 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) before SG was 55.3 kg/m². Before conversion, mean BMI was 44.5 kg/m² with 17.3% total weight loss (TWL). All procedures were completed laparoscopically in a median surgical time of 183 min. Three major complications occurred (9.3%), one gastrojejunal (GJ) leak and two reoperations. Four cases (12.5%) of GJ stenosis were diagnosed. No mortality was registered. Mean follow-up time was 24 months and patients had 36 kg/m² mean BMI, 17.4% TWL, 27.2% had BMI >35 kg/m².

Conclusions

cRYGB after SG for SWL showed good mid-term results, better than those reported in literature.

The Potential of Semaglutide Once-Weekly in Patients Without Type 2 Diabetes with Weight Regain or Insufficient Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery-a Retrospective Analysis

PURPOSE

About 20-25% of patients experience weight regain (WR) or insufficient weight loss (IWL) after bariatric metabolic surgery (BS). Therefore, we aimed to retrospectively assess the effectiveness of adjunct treatment with the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide in non-diabetic patients with WR or IWL after BS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Post-bariatric patients without type 2 diabetes (T2D) with WR or IWL (n = 44) were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint was weight loss 3 and 6 months after initiation of adjunct treatment. Secondary endpoints included change in BMI, HbA1c, lipid profile, hs-CRP, and liver enzymes.

RESULTS

Patients started semaglutide 64.7 ± 47.6 months (mean ± SD) after BS. At initiation of semaglutide, WR after post-bariatric weight nadir was 12.3 ± 14.4% (mean ± SD). Total weight loss during semaglutide treatment was - 6.0 ± 4.3% (mean ± SD, p < 0.001) after 3 months (3.2 months, IQR 3.0-3.5, n = 38) and - 10.3 ± 5.5% (mean ± SD, p < 0.001) after 6 months (5.8 months, IQR 5.8-6.4, n = 20). At 3 months, categorical weight loss was > 5% in 61% of patients, > 10% in 16% of patients, and > 15% in 2% of patients. Triglycerides (OR = 0.99; p < 0.05), ALT (OR = 0.87; p = 0.05), and AST (OR = 0.89; p < 0.05) at baseline were negatively associated with weight loss of at least 5% at 3 months' follow-up (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Treatment options to manage post-bariatric excess weight (regain) are scarce. Our results imply a clear benefit of adjunct treatment with semaglutide in post-bariatric patients. However, these results need to be confirmed in a prospective randomized controlled trial to close the gap between lifestyle intervention and revision surgery in patients with IWL or WR after BS.

Literature review on antiobesity medication use for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinical Issues Committee

The following literature search is in response to inquiries made to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) regarding antiobesity medication (AOM) use in patients who are having or have already had metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). These recommendations are based on current clinical knowledge, expert opinion, and published peer-reviewed scientific evidence available at this time. This paper is not intended to establish a local, regional, or national standard of care. The paper will be revised in the future as additional evidence becomes available.

Management of Weight Regain Following Bariatric Surgery: Behavioral Intervention and Pharmacotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention currently available for significant and durable weight loss, but weight regain after surgery is not uncommon. This paper focuses on updates in behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy to combat weight regain after bariatric surgery.

AREAS COVERED

This paper critically reviews both prospective and retrospective studies assessing pharmacotherapy in post-bariatric surgical patients published within the past 5 years. It also evaluates updates in behavioral therapies and delivery of the therapies in this patient population.

EXPERT OPINION

Weight regain after bariatric surgery is common. Patients who experience weight regain should be evaluated and treated by a multidisciplinary team. Antiobesity pharmacotherapy should be considered for those who qualify as an adjunct to lifestyle modifications, along with behavioral interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Anti-Obesity Medications and Investigational Agents: An Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) 2022

Background

This "Anti-Obesity Medications and Investigational Agents: An Obesity Medicine Association Clinical Practice Statement 2022" is intended to provide clinicians an overview of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved anti-obesity medications and investigational anti-obesity agents in development.

Methods

The scientific information for this Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) is based upon published scientific citations, clinical perspectives of OMA authors, and peer review by the Obesity Medicine Association leadership.

Results

This CPS describes pharmacokinetic principles applicable to those with obesity, and discusses the efficacy and safety of anti-obesity medications [e.g., phentermine, semaglutide, liraglutide, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion, and orlistat, as well as non-systemic superabsorbent oral hydrogel particles (which is technically classified as a medical device)]. Other medications discussed include setmelanotide, metreleptin, and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Data regarding the use of combination anti-obesity pharmacotherapy, as well as use of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy after bariatric surgery are limited; however, published data support such approaches. Finally, this CPS discusses investigational anti-obesity medications, with an emphasis on the mechanisms of action and summary of available clinical trial data regarding tirzepatide.

Conclusion

This "Anti-Obesity Medications and Investigational Agents: An Obesity Medicine Association Clinical Practice Statement 2022" is one of a series of OMA CPSs designed to assist clinicians in the care of patients with pre-obesity/obesity.

Benefits of Adjuvant Medical Weight Loss Intervention in Setting of Weight Regain and Inadequate Weight Loss After Weight Loss Surgery

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no nationally accepted protocol for addressing weight regain or inadequate weight loss after MBS.

OBJECTIVES

To devise, implement, and evaluate a protocol targeting weight regain or inadequate weight loss in MBS patients at our institution.

SETTING

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.

METHODS

Patients at least 6 months following primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) who achieved or were trending toward <50% excess body weight loss or who regained ≥10% of their lowest postoperative weight, were identified and referred for medical weight loss (MWL) intervention. Exclusion criteria were body mass index (BMI) ≤ 27 kg/m², treatment with adjustable gastric banding, and conversion from SG to RYGB.

RESULTS

2274 patients who were >6 months out from surgery were evaluated over 12 months. 93 patients (86% female) met criteria for inclusion. 69 (74%) patients agreed to intervention and were followed for an average of 165 days (SD 106.89 days), demonstrating a mean weight change of -5.11 kg (SD 6.86 kg), and BMI change of -1.81 kg/m² (SD 2.37 kg/m²). Patients who spent <90 days in a MWL program demonstrated less average weight loss (1.75 kg vs 6.48 kg) (P = .0042), and less change in BMI (-.63 kg/m² vs -2.29 kg/m²) (P = .0037) when compared to patients who spent >90 days in the MWL intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies criteria for intervention in patients suffering weight regain or inadequate weight loss after MBS and demonstrates that standardized identification and referral for treatment results in modest weight loss.

Obesity Surgery

BACKGROUND

In 2017, the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥= 30 kg/m2) in Germany was approximately 16%. Obesity increases an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and arterial hypertension; it also increases overall mortality. Consequently, effective treatment is a necessity. Approximately 20 000 bariatric operations are performed in Germany each year.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in the PubMed and Cochrane databases and on current German clinical practice guidelines.

RESULTS

The types of obesity surgery most commonly performed in Germany, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, lead to an excess weight loss of 27-69% ≥= 10 years after the procedure. In obese patients with T2DM, the diabetes remission rate ≥= 10 years after these procedures ranges from 25% to 62%. Adjusted regression analyses of data from large registries have shown that the incidence of malignancies is 33% lower in persons who have undergone obesity surgery compared to control subjects with obesity (unadjusted incidence 5.6 versus 9.0 cases per 1000 person-years). The operation can cause vitamin deficiency, surgical complications, gastroesophageal reflux, and dumping syndrome. Therefore, lifelong follow-up is necessary.

CONCLUSION

In view of an increasing number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery, it will probably not be feasible in the future for lifelong follow-up to be provided exclusively in specialized centers.

Patients’ Experiences of Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery

Purpose

Bariatric surgery is a successful obesity treatment; however, an estimated 1/5 of patients have regained more than 15% of their body weight 5 years post-surgery. To increase the understanding of patients who experienced weight regain after bariatric surgery, we conducted a qualitative study.

Materials and Methods

We recruited 16 adult participants (4 men, 12 women) at an obesity clinic in Stockholm, Sweden, 2018 to 2019, and performed semi-structured individual interviews. The transcribed recorded interview data was analyzed with thematic analysis.

Results

Participants had undergone gastric bypass surgery on average 10 years prior to study and regained 36% (range 12 to 71%) of their weight from their nadir. Participants experienced challenges such as eating in social settings, loneliness, family difficulties, increases in appetite, and physical and mental health problems, which distracted them from weight management. Participants responded to weight regain with emotional distress, particularly with hopelessness, discouragement, shame, and frustration (theme: loss of control and focus). Nonetheless, participants experienced remaining benefits from the surgery, despite weight regain. Social support, self-care, and behavioral strategies were perceived as facilitators for weight management (theme: reducing the burden of weight management).

Conclusions

Weight regain after bariatric surgery was perceived to be an unexpected and difficult experience that induced hopelessness, discouragement, shame, and frustration. Results indicate that internal and external circumstances such as psychosocial factors, changes in appetite, and physical and mental health problems may contribute to loss of control over weight. Social support, self-care, and behavioral strategies might facilitate long-term post-surgical weight management.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11695-022-05908-1.

Pharmacologic management of weight regain following bariatric surgery

While bariatric surgery restults in significant long-term weight loss for most patients with obesity, post-surgical weight gain affects a considerable percentage of patients to varying degrees of severity. Furthermore, a small but significant percentage of patients experience inadequate post-surgical weight loss. Although many studies have examined the role of anti-obesity medications to address post-operative weight regain, an evidence-based consensus has not yet been achieved because of the heterogeneity of populations studied and the studies themselves. Observational studies in the post-bariatric surgery population consistently demonstrate the benefit of medical weight management after bariatric surgery, with most evidence highlighting liraglutide, topiramate, and phentermine/topiramate. New anti-obesity medications are anticipated to be helpful for post-surgical weight optimization given their efficacy in the non-surgical population.

Effectiveness and Safety of a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet on Weight Regain Following Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE

Obesity is one of the major public health problems worldwide and bariatric surgery is considered the gold standard treatment for severe obesity. Although the literature supports the safety and efficacy of the very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) in patients with obesity, there is no study analyzing the use in case of failure or weight regain after bariatric surgery. This work has the purpose of assessing the response to a VLCKD (Pnk® method) in this population.

METHODS

We have conducted an observational, retrospective, and descriptive study with the analysis of medical charts of private offices where patients were examined between 2014 and 2019, totalizing 11 participants who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) without a reduction of 50% in body weight excess or any weight regain after the surgery. The patients followed the first stage of a commercial weight loss program (Pnk® method) which consists of a VLCKD (600-800 kcal/day), low in carbohydrates and lipids.

RESULTS

A significant reduction was observed (p-value < 0.05) in weight, body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), and glycated hemoglobin (A1C) post-ketogenic diet. Uric acid, transaminases, urea, and creatinine values did not show differences between pre- and post-ketosis. During the course of the study, no serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that the ketogenic diet can be recommended as an effective and safe treatment for patients who progressed with insufficient weight loss or regain after bariatric surgery.

Moving Toward Health Policy that Respects Both Science and People Living with Obesity

Through four decades of rising obesity, health policy has been mostly ineffective. Prevention policies failed to reverse rising trends in prevalence, partly because they are often based on biased mental models about what should work to prevent obesity, rather than empiric evidence for what does work. Bias toward people living with obesity harms health, while contributing to poor access to effective care that might serve to improve it. Better public policy will come from an increased application of objective obesity science, research to fill knowledge gaps, and respect for the human dignity of people who live with obesity.

6M50LSG Scoring System Increased the Proportion of Adequate Excess Body Weight Loss for Suspected Poor Responders After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Asian Population

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the predictive tool, 6M50LSG scoring system, to identify suspected poor responders after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

METHODS

The 6M50LSG scoring system has been applied since 2019. Suspected poor responders are defined by EBWL at 1 month < 19.5% or EBWL at 3 months < 37.7% based on the 6M50LSG scoring system. Our analysis included 109 suspected poor responders. Based on the date of LSG, the patients were separated into two groups: the 2016-2018 group (before group, BG, with regular care) and the 2019-2020 group (after group, AG, with upgrade medical nutrition therapy).

RESULTS

At the end of the study, the AG group had a significantly higher proportion of adequate weight loss, which was defined as EBWL ≥ 50% at 6 months after LSG, than that in the BG group (18.92% in BG vs. 48.57% in AG, p = 0.003). The AG group demonstrated significantly more 3-months-TWL (BG: 15.22% vs. AG: 17.54%, p < 0.001) and 6-months-TWL (BG: 21.08% vs. AG: 25.65%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses and adjustments, the scoring system (AG) resulted in significantly higher chances of adequate weight loss in suspected poor responders (adjusted OR 3.392, 95% CI = 1.345-8.5564, p = 0.010). One year after LSG, suspected poor responders in AG had a significantly higher weight loss than those in BG (BG vs. AG: TWL 27.17% vs. 32.20%, p = 0.014) .

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that the 6M50LSG scoring system with upgraded medical nutrition therapy increased the proportion of suspected poor responders with adequate weight loss after LSG.

Clinical outcomes associated with anti-obesity medications in real-world practice: A systematic literature review

Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are efficacious and well tolerated in randomized controlled trials, but findings may not be generalizable to routine clinical practice. This systematic literature review aimed to identify real-world (RW) evidence for AOMs to treat adults ( ≥ 18 years) with obesity or overweight (BMI  ≥  27 kg/m² ). Searches conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Database, National Health Service (NHS) Economic Evaluation Database, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies of relevant FDA-approved AOMs yielded 41 publications. Weight loss (WL) was consistently observed, with 14% to 58.6% of patients achieving ≥ 5% WL on orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion, phentermine, or liraglutide in studies of 3-6 months' duration where this was measured. When cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed, AOMs reduced or had no impact on blood pressure, lipids, or glycemia. RW data on the impact of AOMs on existing obesity-related comorbidities and mortality were generally lacking. AOMs were associated with various adverse events, but these were of mild to moderate severity and no unexpected safety signals were reported. A pattern of poor adherence and persistence with AOMs was observed across studies. Overall, the review confirmed the effectiveness of AOMs in RW settings but demonstrated large gaps in the evidence base.

Improvement in mood symptoms ​after post-bariatric surgery among people with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

We aimed to examine if bariatric surgery was associated with a reduction in the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among people with obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We pooled data from 49 studies involving 11,255 people with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery. The study outcomes were the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among these patients pre- and post-surgery.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) post-operatively (pooled d+: -13.3 kg/m² [95% confidence interval [CI] 15.19, -11.47], p < 0.001). The pooled proportion of patients with anxiety symptoms reduced from 24.5% pre-operatively to 16.9% post-operatively, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.58 (95% CI 0.51, 0.67, p < 0.001). The reduction remained significant in women aged ≥40 years and irrespective of post-operative BMI. There were significant reductions in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) (anxiety component) by 0.64 (pooled d+: -0.64 [95% CI -1.06, -0.22], p = 0.003) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 score by 0.54 (pooled d+: -0.54 [95% CI -0.64, -0.44], p < 0.001). The pooled proportion of depressive symptoms reduced from 34.7% pre-operatively to 20.4% post-operatively, with an OR of 0.49 (95% CI 0.37, 0.65, p < 0.001). The reduction remained significant irrespective of patient's age and post-operative BMI. There were also significant reductions in HADS score (depressive component) (pooled d+: -1.34 [95% CI -1.93, -0.76], p < 0.001), Beck's Depression Inventory score (pooled d+: -1.04 [95% CI -1.46, -0.63], p < 0.001) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score (pooled d+: -1.11 [95% CI -1.21, -1.01], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery was associated with significant reduction in the prevalence and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms among people with obesity.

Pharmacotherapeutic options for weight regain after bariatric surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We sought to critically evaluate the recent literature published over the past 3 years on the topic of weight regain after bariatric surgery in children, adolescents, and adults, with an emphasis on clinically- relevant information for pharmacologic treatment of weight regain after metabolic and bariatric surgery.

FINDINGS

There are multiple pharmacotherapeutic agents available to treat obesity in children, adolescents, and adults; these agents have varying efficacy and indications for use and have been studied in a variety of clinical and research scenarios. We present an overview of these findings.

SUMMARY

This review represents a comprehensive compilation of the recently published data on efficacy of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy in the treatment of weight regain after bariatric surgery for children, adolescents, and adults.

Endoscopic Evaluation and Management of Late Complications After Bariatric Surgery: a Narrative Review

Despite ongoing evolution in technique and a low mortality rate, clinicians may care for patients who suffer late complications (> 90 days of surgery) after bariatric surgery. Endoscopic techniques are used to identify and manage many of the late complications of the two most commonly performed bariatric surgeries: sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Stenosis at the incisura angularis and gastroesophageal reflux disease may occur in patients who have undergone a sleeve gastrectomy. Patients who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can suffer marginal ulceration, gastrojejunal anastomotic stricture, and gastro-gastric fistula. Clinicians may also encounter biliary pathologies such as choledocholithiasis, chronic abdominal pain, and weight regain. This narrative review provides an update on the endoscopic evaluation and management of patients with late complications after sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Use of Weight Loss Medications in Patients after Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Weight regain after bariatric surgery is unfortunately a common occurrence. In this article, we have reviewed the data addressing this clinical problem focusing on pharmacological management of weight regain.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data from several small, non-randomized, retrospective, and prospective studies provide evidence that a number of pharmacological options, both FDA approved and off-label, are effective in mitigating and managing weight regain after bariatric surgery. There is a suggestion that the optimal time to initiate weight loss medications may be at the time of weight plateau, rather than after weight regain. Adjuvant pharmacotherapy can help treat weight regain after bariatric surgery. Future studies should investigate the optimal timing for starting weight loss medications, as well as the best medication or combinations of medicines, for managing postoperative weight regain in different patient groups, including those who have undergone different types of bariatric surgeries.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty plus liraglutide versus endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty alone for weight loss

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has been shown to be effective for inducing weight loss. The efficacy of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, to augment weight loss after ESG is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ESG and liraglutide (ESG-L) compared with ESG alone.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from patients undergoing ESG at 3 outpatient clinics in Brazil between November 2017 and July 2018. Liraglutide was offered to all patients 5 months after ESG. Patients who opted to take liraglutide (ESG-L) were matched 1:1 to patients who declined it (ESG). The primary outcome was percent total body weight loss (%TBWL), and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) 7 months after initiation of liraglutide (12 months after ESG). The secondary outcome was change in percent body fat 12 months after ESG. ESG technique and postprocedure follow-up were identical at all 3 sites.

RESULTS

Propensity score matching yielded 26 matched pairs. Adjusted comparisons between the 2 groups showed that patients who opted to take liraglutide had a superior mean %TBWL 7 months after initiation of liraglutide (ESG-L) compared with those who declined it (ESG) (24.72% ± 2.12% vs 20.51% ± 1.68%, respectively; P < .001). ESG-L had a statistically greater reduction in percent body fat compared with ESG (7.85% ± 1.26% vs 10.54% ± 1.88%, respectively; P < .001) at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of liraglutide at 5 months results in superior weight loss and improved efficacy as demonstrated by decreased body fat 12 months after ESG. Further studies are imperative to determine optimal dose, timing, and duration of liraglutide.

Prevalence of insufficient weight loss 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: metabolic consequences and prediction estimates: a prospective registry study

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of weight loss 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and the association with cardiometabolic health as well as to model prediction estimates of surgical treatment failure.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg).

SETTING

29 surgical units from the whole of Sweden contributed data. Inclusion was restricted to surgical units with a retention rate of >60% five years postsurgery.

PARTICIPANTS

10 633 patients were extracted from SOReg. In total 5936 participants were included in the final sample, 79.1% females. The mean age of participants before surgery was 39.4±9 years and mean body mass index (BMI) 42.9±5.1. 2322 were excluded (death before the 5-year follow-up (n=148), other types of surgery or reoperations (n=637), age at surgery <18 or >55 years (n=1329), presurgery BMI <35 kg/m² (n=208)). In total, 2375 (29%) of eligible individuals were lost to the 5-year follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME

The occurrence of surgical treatment failure 5 years after surgery was based on the three previously published definitions: per cent excess BMI loss <50%, total weight loss <20% or BMI >35 where initial BMI was <50, or >40 where initial BMI was >50. In addition, we report the association between surgical treatment failure and biochemical markers of obesity-related comorbidity. We also developed predictive models to identify patients with a high risk of surgical treatment failure 5 years postsurgery.

RESULTS

In total, 23.1% met at least one definition of surgical treatment failure at year 5 which was associated with (adjusted OR) with 95% CI): type 2 diabetes (T2D, OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.7), dyslipidaemia (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.1) and hypertension (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.2). Surgical treatment failure at 5 years was predicted by combined demographic and anthropometric measures from baseline, 1 and 2 years postsurgery (area under the curve=0.874).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic RYGB leads to a marked and sustained weight loss with improvement of obesity-related comorbidity in most patients. However, 23% met at least one definition of surgical treatment failure, which was associated with a greater risk of relapse and a higher incidence of T2D, dyslipidaemia and hypertension 5 years after surgery. Poor initial weight loss and early weight regain are strong predictors of long-term treatment failure and may be used for early identification of patients who require additional weight loss support.

Platform introducing individually tailored variability in nerve stimulations and dietary regimen to prevent weight regain following weight loss in patients with obesity

Prevention of weight regain following successful weight loss is a major challenge in the treatment of obesity, irrespective of the weight reduction method used. The majority of individuals regain the lost weight over time; thus, achieving long-term sustainability in weight loss remains an unresolved issue. A compensatory adaptation to the weight loss methods occurs in several body organs and partly explains the lack of sustainable effect. Variability is inherent in many biological systems, and patterns of variability constitute a body mechanism that is active at several levels, starting from the genes and cellular pathways through to the whole-organ level. This study aimed to describe a platform that introduces individually tailored variability in vagal nerve stimulation and dietary regimen to ensure prolonged and sustainable weight loss and prevent weight regain. The platform is intended to provide a method that can overcome the body's compensatory adaptation mechanisms while ensuring a prolonged beneficial effect.