BODY COMPOSITION CHANGES 12 MONTHS POST-METABOLIC SURGERY IN MALAYSIAN ADULTS WITH OBESITY

THE DIFFERENCES IN DIABETIC STATUS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Body composition analysis following metabolic surgery is vital for clinical evaluation and monitoring treatment outcomes. In Malaysia, however, the evidence for these changes is limited. We aimed to explore the changes in body composition in patients with obesity after 12 months of metabolic surgery, according to their diabetes status.

METHODOLOGY
This is a multicentre intervention study involving patients with obesity undergoing metabolic surgery in private centres around Klang Valley. Those with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 were categorized into two groups: nondiabetes mellitus (non-DM) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Body composition components, including skeletal muscle mass (SMM), percentage body fat (PBF) and visceral fat area (VFA), were measured using a bioimpedance analyser (InBody S10). Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS software version 29.

RESULTS
This study involved 121 patients, most of whom were female (n = 74, 61.2%) and Malay (n = 82, 67.8%). The overall mean age was 39.02 (SD 7.8) years. At baseline, there was no significant difference in mean BMI between the nonDM and DM groups (P = 0.203). At six months, significant improvement was observed in weight, BMI, WC, PBF, VFA, and SMM in both groups (P <0.001) compared to baseline. These significant improvements in all parameters were maintained up to month 12 in both groups (P <0.05), except for SMM in patients in the non-DM group (P >0.999). Nevertheless, there is no significant difference in between group comparison for all parameters throughout the study period (P >0.05).

CONCLUSION
Metabolic surgery has significantly improved body composition both in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals at six months, with benefits persisting at 12 months. Continuous monitoring for both groups is crucial for maintaining long-term benefits and optimizing outcomes.