Five-year changes in dietary intake and body composition in adolescents with severe obesity undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

Background: Information is scarce on long-term changes in energy intake (EI), dietary energy density (DED), and body composition in adolescents undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Objectives: To investigate long-term changes in EI, DED, and body composition in adolescents after LRYGB. Setting: University hospitals, multicenter study, Sweden. Methods: Eighty-five adolescents (67% girls; mean ± standard deviation, age 16.0 ± 1.2 yr, body mass index 45.5 ± 6.1 kg/m²) were assessed preoperatively (baseline) and 1, 2, and 5 years after LRYGB with diet history interviews and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Matched obese adolescent controls receiving nonsurgical treatment were assessed only at 5 years. Results: Weight decreased 31%, 33%, and 28% at 1, 2, and 5 years after LRYGB (P <.001) while controls gained 13% over 5 years (P <.001). Dietary assessments were completed in 98%, 93%, 87%, and 75% at baseline and 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively, and in 65% of controls. Baseline EI (2558 kcal/d), decreased by 34%, 22%, and 10% after 1, 2, and 5 years (P <.05). DED decreased at 1 year (P =.03). Macronutrient distribution was not different from controls at 5 years, but EI and DED were 31% and 14% lower (P <.015). Fat, fat-free, and muscle mass decreased through 5 years after LRYGB (P <.001). Boys preserved muscle mass more than girls (P <.01). Adequate protein intake was associated with preservation of muscle mass (P =.003). Conclusions: In adolescents undergoing LRYGB EI remained 10% lower 5 years after surgery. Decreased EI and DED, rather than macronutrient distribution, are important factors in weight loss after surgery. Higher protein intake may facilitate preservation of muscle mass.