Impact of bariatric surgery on body composition and metabolism among obese Asian Indians with prediabetes and diabetes

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in body composition, central obesity (visceral and liver fat), and pro-inflammatory markers after bariatric surgery in obese Asian Indians with prediabetes and diabetes. Materials and Methods: This is 1-year follow-up study of 30 obese patients (BMI of 30–40 kg/m2) with prediabetes and diabetes who underwent bariatric surgery at tertiary diabetes center in South India. HbA1c, adiponectin, liver enzymes, ferritin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were tested before surgery and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Body composition analysis and ultrasound hepatic fat grading were done before and at 6 and 12 months’ post-surgery. Results: The baseline HbA1c were 8.3 ± 1.8% which reduced to 6.1 ± 0.8% at 12 months. The percent body fat, visceral fat area, and slim lean mass reduced significantly at 12 months compared with baseline (P < 0.001). Hepatic steatosis and liver enzymes also significantly reduced at 12 months compared with baseline. hs-CRP and ferritin significantly reduced (P < 0.05) at 12 months post-op [2.9 ± 2.8 mg/L, 39 ± 29 ng/mL] compared with baseline [7.5 ± 3.5 mg/L, 61 ± 44 ng/mL], respectively. Serum adiponectin levels significantly increased from 26.4 ± 1.4 to 67 ± 3.5 ng/mL after the surgery. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery is effective in reducing total body fat and visceral fat area, hepatic steatosis with an improvement in liver enzyme levels after bariatric surgery. hs-CRP, ferritin, and adiponectin also significantly improved following surgery.