Background

Genomic and metabolomic strategies are increasingly guiding obesity treatment. Studies have implicated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with obesity and traits such as food preference, body fat distribution, macronutrient susceptibility, and fat/protein/carbohydrate metabolism that could affect clinical intervention. In addition, gut microbiome differences are present in patients pre/post bariatric surgery. This pilot study examines genomic and microbial biomarkers associated with weight loss 12 months post sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Methods

Sixty-seven patients 12 months post SG were enrolled: 34 had excess weight loss (EWL) >50% (Group A) and 33 had EWL <50% (Group B). Genetic and microbiome data were collected. ANOVA analysis and regression were performed.

Results

Group A genomic associations included a lower genetic predisposition to prefer sweet foods, improved insulin sensitivity with exercise, and a genetic propensity for lower vitamin D needs and higher vitamin K needs. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio did not differ between groups. Group A had a higher abundance of gut microbes with metabolic pathways for vitamin K2 synthesis, propionate production, and simple sugars degradation. However, no associations remained significant after multiple testing corrections.

Conclusions

Results agree with previous findings linking gut microbiome functional pathways with weight loss and point to additional associations not yet reported. Genetics and the gut microbiome may modulate weight loss post bariatric surgery, warranting additional research with a better-powered sample size.