Protects weight loss – even when the weight is regained

Much weight has lost, seems to offer some protection against poor health, even for those who have regained some of their weight loss. This is demonstrated in a study at the University of Gothenburg of people who have undergone a weight loss operation.

The study, published in The health of the Lancet – Europe regionfocuses on the consequences of the health of regaining any weight after considerable weight loss, an area in which scientific knowledge is described as extremely limited.

The study analyzed mortality, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and microvascular disorders that influence the smallest blood vessels of the body, in people who had initially lost a lot of weight and then received a considerable amount.

The study included 1,346 participants from the SOS study (Swedish obese test subjects) at the University of Gothenburg, the world’s most extensive study of the long-term effects of bariatric surgery compared to conventional obesity treatment. Additional health data about the participants were collected from various national registers in the hands of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare.

The risk of cancer and life expectancy

A year after the operation, the participants had lost on average about 30 kilograms. Four years after the procedure, just over half of them had at least 20% of the weight it lost in the first year.

Accordingly, the researchers compared two groups: one in which the participants had reclaimed at least 20% of their earlier weight loss, and one in which the participants had maintained their lower weight or won only a little.

With regard to the risk of cancer and life expectancy, no differences were found between the groups. The incidence and mortality of cancer remained at the same levels, regardless of the regaining of the partial weight. However, differences were observed with regard to microvascular disorders, in which those who recover the weight run a greater risk. The incidence was 11.0 per 1,000 person years, compared to 8.7 in the group that maintained their lower weight.

A similar pattern, albeit less clear, was seen for cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke and heart failure combined). The incidence was 15.7 per 1,000 person years for those who had regained a lot of weight compared to 13.0 in the group that had maintained their lower weight.

Long -term positive effects

One of the main researchers behind the study is Kajsa Sjöholm, assistant professor at the Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg:

“Until now, the effects of weight recovering after a large weight loss on health and mortality in the long term have been unknown. What we see now is that even those who regain part of their weight loss, long -term positive effects with the same life expectancy as those who retain their lower weight,” she says.

“As far as cardiovascular disorders are concerned, we see that the weight regains the risk factors, as emphasizes the need for patients to get effective support to prevent significant weight gain. Herwin also leads to other challenges that can reduce quality of life, such as hip and knee line and the stigma associed with obesity,” says. “