A comprehensive examination across multiple centers highlights that metabolic and bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 70 kg/m2 or higher.
Dr. Florina Corpodean, leading a group of researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, validated through their data analysis that metabolic and bariatric surgery is largely safe and beneficial for individuals facing severe obesity. The findings were detailed in a recent study titled “BMI ≥ 70: A Multi-Center Institutional Experience of the Safety and Efficacy of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Intervention,” which appeared in Obesity Surgery: The Journal of Metabolic Surgery and Allied Care. The research indicated that patients undergoing surgery for obesity in this high BMI category experienced a notable low rate of serious postoperative complications within 30 days, recorded at just 0.7%, indicating a manageable surgical risk.
With over 40 percent of the U.S. population classified as obese, healthcare professionals are increasingly encountering patients with a BMI surpassing 70 kg/m2. The study analyzed data from 84 patients with severe obesity who underwent metabolic or bariatric surgery. The findings revealed that although these patients had a heightened chance of visiting emergency departments, their complication rates remained low within the first 30 days after surgery.
“This study aimed to explore data from a population that has been under-researched, and we are pleased to contribute to this vital analysis,” stated Dr. Corpodean, a postdoctoral researcher and surgical research fellow at Pennington Biomedical, affiliated with the Metamor Metabolic Institute. “Individuals with such extreme obesity represent an expanding demographic needing specialized care. The promising news is that despite being considered high risk due to their BMI, bariatric and metabolic surgery remains relatively safe for these patients.”
The researchers thoroughly examined the data, focusing on demographics, outcomes after surgery, and alterations in BMI and weight. They assessed weight loss at various periods: 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year. Additionally, they investigated rates of emergency room visits, hospital readmissions, and the need for reoperation within the first year post-surgery.
“As obesity rates continue to rise, healthcare professionals—including doctors, surgeons, and researchers—are increasingly likely to encounter patients with BMIs exceeding 70 kg/m2,” commented Dr. Philip Schauer, Director of the Metamor Institute. “Our data analysis suggests that the BMI of these patients should not deter the provision of bariatric and metabolic surgery as a treatment option. At Metamor, we aim to clarify these issues, and we encourage other institutions to explore further studies involving this growing demographic.”
Currently, there is no established maximum BMI that disqualifies individuals from undergoing bariatric surgery, although it is widely understood that a higher BMI correlates with greater surgical risks. The researchers found that patients in this particular group achieved significant weight loss after their metabolic or bariatric surgery, with these improvements sustaining up to a year later. Additionally, despite elevated rates of emergency department visits, the patients experienced low rates of complications and reoperations within the first year following their procedures.
“Combating the leading health challenge of our time is the goal of Pennington Biomedical, and our researchers at the Metamor Institute are fulfilling this mission through studies like this,” stated Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. “While we advocate for additional research, this study and similar efforts provide optimism for individuals struggling with the adverse health impacts of obesity. Surgeons, researchers, and patients can find increased confidence in the safety and effectiveness of metabolic surgery for treating obesity.”
The Metamor Institute, located on the Pennington Biomedical campus, was established in late 2019. It represents a collaboration between Pennington Biomedical, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, the Louisiana Governor’s Office, Louisiana Economic Development, LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, and the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation. This institute focuses on addressing obesity and diabetes treatment and is the first of its kind in the nation to offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care for those affected by obesity, diabetes, and related diseases all within a single facility.
