HEALTH

Intermountain’s 40-year study provides insight into weight-loss surgery

Feb 3, 2023, 5:00 PM

A study by Intermountain Health that spanned 40 years and sought answers about the health of people...

The study by Intermountain Health was seeking answers about the health of people who had weight-loss surgery. And it revealed answers that might have been expected, including a risk of suicide faced by young people who have the surgery. (Canva)

(Canva)

SALT LAKE CITY — Researchers with Intermountain Health have published the findings of a 40-year follow-up study involving weight-loss surgery.

In some cases, the findings are not surprising. For example, patients that had the surgery saw a significant reduction in their risk of dying from heart disease, diabetes, and cancer when compared to people who were severely obese that did not have the surgery.

(A person is “severely obese,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if their body mass index is 40, or higher.)

But the study also revealed a surprising link between young people who received the surgery, and suicide.

Findings from the weight-loss surgery study

The research was published in the journal Obesity. It is characterized as a retrospective study, matching people who had bariatric surgery with others of the same age and BMI who did not have the surgery.

The researchers said the benefit of reduced mortality was present in patients across the 40 years of the defined study period, in multiple categories of bariatric surgery, in males as well as females, and in those patients older than age 34 at the time of their surgery.

Specifically, those who had the surgery were 16% less likely to die early, and 29%, 43% and 72% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, respectively.

“It gives us perspective on what to expect down the road,” said Nathan Richards, MD, study author and associate medical director of general surgery for Intermountain Health, “and is helpful to counsel patients about the benefits and risks of weight loss surgery other than what may happen just immediately after surgery.”

“The benefits are durable and last for years, there is staying power,” said Ted D. Adams, PhD, principal author of the study and adjunct associate professor in nutrition and physiology at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

The potential downsides of weight-loss surgery

Finally, the research reveals two potential hazards. One is the increased risk of death from chronic liver disease. This could be due in part, Dr. Adams said, because the weight-loss surgery changes how alcohol is absorbed by the body.

The other hazard involves suicide. Researchers said the potential for suicide was 2.4 times higher in the group who’d had bariatric surgery. This was seen “primarily in participants with ages at surgery between 18 and 34 years,” according to an abstract of the study. 

Richards called this finding surprising and concerning. 

“It underscores the importance of caring for the whole patient during the weight loss journey and really focusing on mental health care pre- and post-operatively to make sure patients understand the changes associated with surgery, weight loss and have the behavioral skills necessary to handle these changes,” Richards said.

This recommendation is notable in the wake of a recent announcement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which noted that since the 1980s, the obesity rate among American children had tripled. 

In early January 2023, this organization announced that, for the first time, it recommended stronger treatment for obesity in young people, including medication and bariatric surgery.

Related reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

Cancers, once considered to be part of the aging process, are now showing up in much younger people...

Don Brinkerhoff

Early-Onset cancer rates rising for people ages 18 to 45

Early-onset cancer is showing up earlier and earlier in patients aged 18 to 49, and researchers aren't quite sure why.

7 hours ago

tooele health department sign, the department is investigating counterfeit car seat cases...

Alex Cabrero, KSL TV

Four ways to figure out if you have a counterfeit car seat

The Tooele County Health Department says the registration card is one of the four most important things you can do to check for a counterfeit car seat.

13 hours ago

FILE: The ponds at Heber Valley Special Service District in Heber, For Midway residents, the sewage...

Collin Leonard

Midway residents say stink from sewage ponds is making them sick, prompting state health study

Midway residents say the bad smell from Heber Valley's wastewater lagoons is getting stronger, and sticking around longer.

17 hours ago

Orem man Chris Avery is aiming to run around the United States, training by running nearly 800 days...

Heather Peterson

Orem man training for year-long run around United States

Chris Avery, a coach from Orem, is training to spend 365 days running around America in 2027. If he does, he will set the Guinness World Record for most consecutive ultra-marathons.

20 hours ago

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

Make healthier food choices every day

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Brent Franson, Founder and CEO of Most Days, to learn how to make healthier food choices.

2 days ago

The Delta Center and the Utah Jazz are making Mother's Rooms at the arena....

Ben Anderson

Utah Jazz open mother’s rooms at Delta Center

The Jazz mother’s rooms are designed to accommodate mothers and infants at Jazz games, concerts, and other events.

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Intermountain’s 40-year study provides insight into weight-loss surgery