Background

The market for weight loss therapy is increasing, and bariatric surgery remains the most durable treatment for obesity. However, clinical outcomes and studies in disadvantaged populations are lacking. The objective of this study was to measure the association between bariatric surgery, genetics, weight, and BMI.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using data from June 2021 to 2023 of self-identified Native American identified patients enrolled in a comprehensive bariatric program, and the main outcome measures were decrease in weight and body mass index at one year post surgery. All patients met ASMBS and IFSO recommend bariatric surgery guidelines.

Results

34 patients were included and all available data for the time period was analyzed. The average starting BMI was 48 kg/m2 [range of 34-78 kg/m2], and mean weight 139 kg. Surgical intervention included sleeve gastrectomy 29% gastric bypass 59%, SADI 6%, and revisional surgery 6%. At 1 year after surgery there was an average weight loss of 23%, and a decrease in BMI from 47 to 33 kg/m2. Two patients were diagnosed with Bardet-Biedel syndrome, and these patients had an average weight loss of 31%, and mean decrease of 17.5 points in BMI at 1 year after the index surgery.

Conclusions

Educating the public in disadvantaged communities on multidisciplinary weight loss and making these options more accessible to these communities can lead to health benefits with improvements and sometimes resolution of comorbidities such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension.