Body composition changes at 12 months following different surgical weight loss interventions in adults with obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control trials

To determine relative lean mass and fat mass changes in adults with obesity following surgical weight loss interventions, a systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus were screened for eligible studies. Inclusion criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed in populations with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2)) aged over 18 years, who underwent any type of bariatric surgery and reported body composition measures via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry or bio‐electrical impedance analysis. Authors conducted full text screening and determined that there were six RCTs eligible for inclusion, with data extracted at 12 months post‐surgery. Meta‐analysis revealed that, relative to gastric banding, Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) led to greater total body mass loss (mean difference [MD]: −9.33 kg [95% CI: −12.10, −6.56]) and greater fat mass loss (MD: −8.86 kg [95% CI: −11.80, −5.93], but similar lean mass loss (MD: −0.55 kg [95% CI: −3.82, 2.71]. RYGB also led to similar changes in total body mass, fat mass, and lean mass compared with sleeve gastrectomy. RYGB results in greater 12‐month weight and fat loss, but similar changes in lean mass, compared with gastric banding. Further RCTs comparing body composition changes following different bariatric surgery procedures are required.