The popular weight loss surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, has been found to decrease bone strength in adolescents, leading to potential health risks and increased fracture risk later in life. With obesity and overweight reaching epidemic proportions in Europe and the US, more and more young people are turning to surgical methods to lose weight. Sleeve gastrectomy, which involves removing 75-80% of the stomach, is the most popular option. However, a recent study by researchers at Harvard Medical School has found that the surgery may have negative effects on bone health.
The study, published in the journal Radiology, is the first to examine the long-term effects of sleeve gastrectomy on bone strength and bone marrow fat in young people. The researchers recruited 54 participants aged 13-24 with a BMI of 35 or higher, with 25 undergoing sleeve gastrectomy and 29 serving as a control group receiving only nutrition and exercise counseling. Tests were conducted before and 24 months after the surgery, including a quantitative CT scan of the lumbar spine and proton MR spectroscopy to measure bone marrow fat.
The results showed that the patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy had a significant increase in bone marrow fat and a decrease in bone strength compared to the control group. This suggests that the surgery may have negative effects on bone health, which could lead to increased fracture risk later in life. The researchers emphasized the importance of considering the potential long-term effects of weight loss surgery, especially in young people, and recommended further research to better understand the risks and benefits of these procedures.
In conclusion, while sleeve gastrectomy may be an effective way to lose weight and improve metabolic health, it may also have negative effects on bone health in young people. As obesity and overweight continue to be major health concerns, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of weight loss surgery and to prioritize long-term health outcomes.
