Evolution of weight loss and changes in body composition after bariatric surgery: is aging a determining factor?

Introduction: The process of aging and morbid obesity (MO) of the population are global events that have direct outcomes in health systems organizations. Although there are no epidemiological data defined in MO in the most advanced age groups, the greatest impact is related to sarcopenia, progressive muscle loss and fat gain that comes with aging. Bariatric surgery is increasingly common in combating MO. However, after this intervention, it is not fully understood the changes in body composition and evolution of weight loss, as well as the influence of age in this context. Objective: to evaluate the evolution of anthropometric parameters through the electrical bioimpedance balance (BIA) in the pre- and post-operative period of bariatric surgery in young adults (>35 years) and older adults (>55 years). Methodology: Observational clinical study of retrospective cohort (2015 to 2018) analyzed by the examination results in the medical records. Patients were divided into two groups: G35= <35 years (under 35 years); G55= >55 years (over 55 years). The parameters analyzed by BIA were: age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral content (BMR), basal metabolic rate (BMR), visceral fat area (VFA), lean body mass (MCM), body fat mass (BFM). The data were analyzed in Graphpad Prism 6.01, being considered the statistical difference when p > 0.05. Results: After analysis of the medical records, 74 medical records were selected, being 77% women; 23% men. A decrease in body weight was observed in both groups, with statistical significance p<0.05, however G<35, lost 10 kg more, and a reduction in body fat was observed in G> 55 years of age, with statistical significance p=0.004. Conclusion: We concluded that the changes in body composition after bariatric surgery have age as a determining factor, with a substantial decrease in BMI, as well as benefits of greater loss of visceral fat area.