Resolution of type 2 diabetes following bariatric surgery: implications for adults and adolescents

NPYR modulation: Potential for the next major advance in obesity and type 2 diabetes management?

The approval of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) mimetics semaglutide and liraglutide for management of obesity, independent of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), has initiated a resurgence of interest in gut-hormone derived peptide therapies for the management of metabolic diseases, but side-effect profile is a concern for these medicines. However, the recent approval of tirzepatide for obesity and T2DM, a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), GLP-1 receptor co-agonist peptide therapy, may provide a somewhat more tolerable option. Despite this, an increasing number of non-incretin alternative peptides are in development for obesity, and it stands to reason that other hormones will take to the limelight in the coming years, such as peptides from the neuropeptide Y family. This narrative review outlines the therapeutic promise of the neuropeptide Y family of peptides, comprising of the 36 amino acid polypeptides neuropeptide Y (NPY), peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP), as well as their derivatives. This family of peptides exerts a number of metabolically relevant effects such as appetite regulation and can influence pancreatic beta-cell survival. Although some of these actions still require full translation to the human setting, potential therapeutic application in obesity and type 2 diabetes is conceivable. However, like GLP-1 and GIP, the endogenous NPY, PYY and PP peptide forms are subject to rapid in vivo degradation and inactivation by the serine peptidase, dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4), and hence require structural modification to prolong circulating half-life. Numerous protective modification strategies are discussed in this regard herein, alongside related impact on biological activity profile and therapeutic promise.

Challenges of Revisional Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide to Unraveling the Complexities and Solutions of Revisional Bariatric Procedures

Revisional metabolic and bariatric surgery (RMBS) presents unique challenges in addressing weight loss failure or complications arising from initial bariatric procedures. This review aims to explore the complexities and solutions associated with revisional bariatric procedures comprehensively, offering insights into the evolving terrain of metabolic and bariatric surgery. A literature review is conducted to identify pertinent studies and expert opinions regarding RMBS. Methodological approaches, patient selection criteria, surgical techniques, preoperative assessments, and postoperative management strategies are synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of current practices and advancements in the field, including institutional protocols. This review synthesizes key findings regarding the challenges encountered in RMBS, including the underlying causes of primary procedure failure, anatomical complexities, technical considerations, and assessments of surgical outcomes. Additionally, patient outcomes, complication rates, and long-term success are presented, along with institutional approaches to patient assessment and procedure selection. This review provides valuable insights for clinicians grappling with the complexities of RMBS. A comprehensive understanding of patient selection, surgical techniques, preoperative management, and postoperative care is crucial for enhancing outcomes and ensuring patient satisfaction in the field of metabolic bariatric surgery.

Preparing Patients for Body Contouring Surgery and Postoperative Surveillance for Deep Venous Thrombosis

This article highlights the importance of the preoperative evaluation and considerations necessary in preparing patients for body contouring surgery after massive weight loss (MWL). The importance of evaluating such factors as body mass index stabilization, medical comorbidities, nutritional optimization, social factors, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, and postoperative surveillance is critically important. Patients undergoing body contouring surgery after MWL are at increased risk of thromboembolic events, and prophylactic measures should be taken to minimize this risk. Overall, a thorough preoperative evaluation is essential to ensure patient safety, optimize surgical outcomes, and address the unique challenges presented by the MWL patient population.

Influence of bariatric surgery on the peripheral blood immune system of female patients with morbid obesity revealed by high-dimensional mass cytometry

Introduction

Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, altered levels of adipocytokines, and impaired regulation of gastrointestinal hormones. Secreted, these factors exert immunostimulatory functions directly influencing peripheral immune cells.

Methods

In the realm of this study, we aimed to investigate the composition and activation status of peripheral blood immune cells in female patients with morbid obesity compared to lean controls using high-dimensional mass cytometry. Besides, we also assessed the influence of bariatric surgery with respect to its ability to reverse obesity-associated alterations within the first-year post-surgery.

Results

Patients with morbid obesity showed typical signs of chronic inflammation characterized by increased levels of CRP and fibrinogen. Apart from that, metabolic alterations were characterized by increased levels of leptin and resistin as well as decreased levels of adiponectin and ghrelin compared to the healthy control population. All these however, except for ghrelin levels, rapidly normalized after surgery with regard to control levels. Furthermore, we found an increased population of monocytic CD14⁺, HLA-DR^-, CD11b⁺, CXCR3⁺ cells in patients with morbid obesity and an overall reduction of the HLA-DR monocytic expression compared to the control population. Although CD14⁺, HLA-DR^-, CD11b⁺, CXCR3⁺ decreased after surgery, HLA-DR expression did not recover within 9 - 11 months post-surgery. Moreover, compared to the control population, patients with morbid obesity showed a perturbed CD4+ T cell compartment, characterized by a strongly elevated CD127⁺ memory T cell subset and decreased naïve T cells, which was not recovered within 9 - 11 months post-surgery. Although NK cells showed an activated phenotype, they were numerically lower in patients with morbid obesity when compared to healthy controls. The NK cell population further decreased after surgery and did not recover quantitatively within the study period.

Conclusions

Our results clearly demonstrate that the rapid adaptions in inflammatory parameters and adipocytokine levels that occur within the first year post-surgery do not translate to the peripheral immune cells. Apart from that, we described highly affected, distinct immune cell subsets, defined as CD127⁺ memory T cells and monocytic CD14⁺, HLA-DR, CD11b⁺, CXCR3⁺ cells, that might play a significant role in understanding and further decoding the etiopathogenesis of morbid obesity.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Intestinal Sleeve Implants for the Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Currently, treatment of diabetes and associated obesity involves Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy to reduce the absorption of nutrients from the intestine to achieve blood glucose control. However, the surgical procedure and subsequent recovery are physically and psychologically burdensome for patients, with possible side effects, so alternative treatments are being developed. In this study, two methods, solution casting and machine direction orientation (MDO), were used to prepare intestinal implants made of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) film and implant them into the duodenum of type 2 diabetic rats for the treatment of obesity and blood glucose control. The PVDF film obtained by the MDO process was characterized by FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD and piezoelectricity tests, which showed higher composition of β crystalline phase and better elongation and mechanical strength in specific directions. Therefore, the material was finally tested on rats after it was proven to be non-toxic by biological toxicity tests. The PVDF was implanted into alloxan-induced diabetic rats, which were used as a model of impaired insulin secretion due to pancreatic beta cell destruction rather than obesity-induced diabetes, and rats were tracked for 24 days, showing significantly improved body weight and blood glucose levels. As an alternative therapeutic option, intestinal sleeve implant showed future potential for application.

Short- and long-term safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery for severely obese adolescents: a narrative review

The selection criteria, safety, and efficacy of bariatric surgery are well established in adults but are less well defined for severely obese adolescents. The number of severely obese adolescents who could benefit from weight loss surgery is increasing, although referral rates have plateaued. Surgical options for these adolescents are controversial and raise several questions. Recent studies, including the prospective Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery Study and the Adolescent Morbid Obesity Surgery Study, help answer these questions. Early bariatric surgical intervention improves body mass index but, more importantly, improves cardiovascular and metabolic co-morbidities of severe obesity. A review of the medical, psychosocial, and economic risks and benefits of bariatric surgery in severely obese adolescents is a step toward improving the management of a challenging and increasing population. We describe the current knowledge of eligibility criteria, preoperative evaluation, surgical options, outcomes, and referral barriers of adolescents for bariatric surgery.

Evolution of 29 Anthropometric, Nutritional, and Cardiometabolic Parameters Among Morbidly Obese Adolescents 2 Years Post Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a popular treatment for adolescent morbid obesity. Research on LSG outcomes among adolescents assessed a narrow range of anthropometric, nutritional, or cardiometabolic parameters, leading to an incomplete picture of these changes. We examined a wide variety of anthropometric, nutritional, and cardiometabolic parameters among adolescents before and after LSG.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical charts of all obese adolescents who underwent LSG at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar, between January 2011 and June 2015 (N = 102). We assessed preoperative levels and postoperative changes in 4 anthropometric, 15 nutritional, and 10 cardiometabolic parameters.

Results

The study sample comprised 79 patients with complete information (36 males, mean age 15.99 ± 1.1 years). At a mean of 24.2 months post-LSG, we observed (1) significantly reduced mean weight and body mass index by 51.82 ± 28.1 kg and 17 ± 6.24 kg/m², respectively; (2) the highest prevalence of post-LSG deficiencies pertained to vitamin D, albumin, and ferritin (89.3, 38, and 33.3%, respectively); (3) low hemoglobin levels (29.3%) only in females; (4) trace elements were not deficient; (4) significant reductions in percentage of adolescents with elevated low-density lipoprotein (from 66.1 to 38.9%), alanine aminotransferase (from 45.3 to 10.9%), and aspartate aminotransferase (from 24.1 to 8.6%) levels; (5) 100% remission of prediabetes cases; and (6) 80% remission of type 2 diabetes cases.

Conclusions

LSG achieved significant weight loss and improvement of cardiometabolic risk factors among adolescents. However, the slight worsening of preexisting nutritional deficiencies warrants careful preoperative surveillance and appropriate postoperative nutritional supplementation.

Weight Loss Surgery Utilization in Patients Aged 14-25 With Severe Obesity Among Several Healthcare Institutions in the United States

Introduction: Obesity is associated with early co-morbidities and higher mortality. Even though weight loss surgery (WLS) in adolescents with severe obesity reliably achieves safe and lasting improvement in BMI and superior resolution of comorbid diseases, its utilization among young patients in the clinical practice stands unclear. Objective: To show the prevalence of weight loss surgery utilization rates in adolescents and young adults among several healthcare institutions in the United States. Method: WLS in 14-25 years old between 2000 and 2017 was obtained from Washington University, Morehouse Medical, University of Texas, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston Medical Center, and Partners Healthcare using the Shared Health Research Information Network (SHRINE) and Research Patient Data Registry (RPDR) web-based query tools. ICD-9 codes were used for bariatric surgery. Results: Among 2500635 individuals, 18008 (0.7%) had severe obesity. At Partners, 1879 patients had severe obesity, of which 404 (21.5%) underwent WLS, whereas at Washington University, 44 (2.5%) of 1788 the underwent WLS. 13 (2.3%) of the 575 at BIDMC, 43 (1.5%) of the 2969 at BMC, and 37 (0.4%) of 8908 at BCH underwent WLS (p < 0.0001 for all). Discussion: Even though WLS has shown to be the most effective treatment to create sustainable changes in metabolic derangements for moderate to severe obesity and its comorbidities, it has been underutilized. Further studies need to be conducted to ensure WLS is utilized for those patients who would achieve the most benefit.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Then and Now: An Updated Systematic Review of the Progress and Short-term Outcomes Over the Last 5 Years

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is considered one of the most popular bariatric surgeries of the present time. This review aimed to evaluate the progress and short-term outcomes of LSG over the last 5 years.

METHODS

The systematic review of electronic databases revealed 27 relevant articles, which were carefully assessed. The data extracted from the studies were analyzed and compared with data reported by a previous review published in 2010.

RESULTS

A total of 5218 patients were included in this review with a mean age of 41.1. The average preoperative body mass index (43.8±8) significantly dropped at 12 months to 30.7±3.9. The average percentage of excess weight loss at 1 year was 67.3. The mean rates of remission of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were 81.9%, 66.5%, and 64.1%, respectively. The mean complication rate across the studies was 8.7% and the average mortality rate was 0.3%. A significant drop in postoperative body mass index, higher percentage of excess weight loss, and significantly lower overall complication rate were observed in comparison with the previous systematic review.

CONCLUSIONS

LSG continues to achieve satisfactory weight loss and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities with acceptably low morbidity and mortality rates.

Long-limb length difference had no effect on outcomes of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for obese Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A CONSORT compliant article

Bariatric surgery is effective in treating different components of metabolic syndrome including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and hyperlipidemia. But there is no consensus on the ideal biliopancreatic and Roux limb length. This study aimed to explore the effect of biliopancreatic limb and Roux limb lengths during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) procedures on weight loss and T2DM control.We studied the clinical records of 58 patients with metabolic syndrome, T2DM, and body mass index (BMI) 32 to 50 kg/m who underwent LRYGB in our hospital. The short limb group (Group A) underwent LRYGB with a limb length of 160 to 200 cm (n = 31) and the long limb group (Group B) underwent LRYGB with a limb length of 210 to 240 cm (n = 27) were compared.The occurrence of acute or chronic internal hernia in Group B was higher than that in Group A (P = .026). Twelve months after surgery, patients from the 2 groups were also observed with reduction in BMI, percent excess weight loss (EWL), preoperative FPG, and HbA1c as compared with these indicators before surgery. However, the differences of these indicators between 2 groups were not significant at the time point of before and 3, 6, 12 months after surgery.LRYGB had significant effects on weight loss and diabetes control in obese T2DM patients. However, there was no significant difference in the short term on weight loss and diabetes control in the patients receiving different limb lengths.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as first-line surgical treatment for morbid obesity among adolescents

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of obesity has necessitated the increasing use of bariatric surgery in the adolescent population. Outcomes following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) among adolescents, however, have not been well-studied. We report outcomes following LSG as a first-line surgical therapy in patients under 21years of age.

METHODS

All patients who underwent LSG as a primary surgical option for morbid obesity were identified at the University of Illinois at Chicago between 2006 and 2014. Standard clinicopathologic and outcomes data were recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 18 patients (13 females, 5 males) who underwent LSG. Mean patient age was 17.8±1.7years. Mean BMI among all patients was 48.6±7.2kg/m² and did not differ by gender (P=0.68). One patient (5.6%) experienced a 30-day perioperative complication (pulmonary embolism). Median LOS following LSG was 3days (IQR: 2, 3). 2 patients (11.1%) were readmitted within 30-days because of feeding intolerance that resolved without invasive intervention. At a median follow-up of 10.6 (range: 0-38) months, percent excess weight loss (%EWL) among all patients was 35.6%. Among patients with at least 2years follow-up (n=3), %EWL was 50.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese adolescents is a safe and feasible option. Short- and long-term weight loss appears to be successful following LSG. As such, LSG should be strongly considered as a primary surgical treatment option for all morbidly obese adolescents.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Pediatric Obesity-Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

COSPONSORING ASSOCIATIONS

The European Society of Endocrinology and the Pediatric Endocrine Society. This guideline was funded by the Endocrine Society.

OBJECTIVE

To formulate clinical practice guidelines for the assessment, treatment, and prevention of pediatric obesity.

PARTICIPANTS

The participants include an Endocrine Society-appointed Task Force of 6 experts, a methodologist, and a medical writer.

EVIDENCE

This evidence-based guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to describe the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. The Task Force commissioned 2 systematic reviews and used the best available evidence from other published systematic reviews and individual studies.

CONSENSUS PROCESS

One group meeting, several conference calls, and e-mail communications enabled consensus. Endocrine Society committees and members and co-sponsoring organizations reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of this guideline.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric obesity remains an ongoing serious international health concern affecting ∼17% of US children and adolescents, threatening their adult health and longevity. Pediatric obesity has its basis in genetic susceptibilities influenced by a permissive environment starting in utero and extending through childhood and adolescence. Endocrine etiologies for obesity are rare and usually are accompanied by attenuated growth patterns. Pediatric comorbidities are common and long-term health complications often result; screening for comorbidities of obesity should be applied in a hierarchal, logical manner for early identification before more serious complications result. Genetic screening for rare syndromes is indicated only in the presence of specific historical or physical features. The psychological toll of pediatric obesity on the individual and family necessitates screening for mental health issues and counseling as indicated. The prevention of pediatric obesity by promoting healthful diet, activity, and environment should be a primary goal, as achieving effective, long-lasting results with lifestyle modification once obesity occurs is difficult. Although some behavioral and pharmacotherapy studies report modest success, additional research into accessible and effective methods for preventing and treating pediatric obesity is needed. The use of weight loss medications during childhood and adolescence should be restricted to clinical trials. Increasing evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in the most seriously affected mature teenagers who have failed lifestyle modification, but the use of surgery requires experienced teams with resources for long-term follow-up. Adolescents undergoing lifestyle therapy, medication regimens, or bariatric surgery for obesity will need cohesive planning to help them effectively transition to adult care, with continued necessary monitoring, support, and intervention. Transition programs for obesity are an uncharted area requiring further research for efficacy. Despite a significant increase in research on pediatric obesity since the initial publication of these guidelines 8 years ago, further study is needed of the genetic and biological factors that increase the risk of weight gain and influence the response to therapeutic interventions. Also needed are more studies to better understand the genetic and biological factors that cause an obese individual to manifest one comorbidity vs another or to be free of comorbidities. Furthermore, continued investigation into the most effective methods of preventing and treating obesity and into methods for changing environmental and economic factors that will lead to worldwide cultural changes in diet and activity should be priorities. Particular attention to determining ways to effect systemic changes in food environments and total daily mobility, as well as methods for sustaining healthy body mass index changes, is of importance.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for type 2 diabetes mellitus in nonobese Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

Although bariatric surgery performed for morbid obesity has been shown to significantly improve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), data on its effectiveness to improve T2DM in nonobese patients are scarce. The present pilot study evaluated the clinical effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (LRYGB) in Chinese T2DM patients with body mass index (BMI) ≤27.5 kg/m.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 68 consecutive patients with uncontrolled T2DM underwent LRYGB from May 2010 to March 2012. All patients were subjected to follow-up controls with anthropometric and metabolic indices at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Glycemic control was evaluated.

RESULTS

One year after the surgery, LRYGB resulted in 69.4%±52.2% excess weight loss percentage (%EWL), remission of T2DM in 80.9% of all the patients. In the group of T2DM patients with BMI≤27.5 kg/m (n=28), 9 (32.1%) cases showed T2DM remission, 10 (35.7%) showed glycemic control, 7 (25%) showed improvement, and 2 (7.1%) were unchanged. The change in BMI, waist circumference, and the plasma levels of FPG, HbA1C, triglycerides, HDL-C, and insulin were statistically significance at 1 year (P<0. 05). There was no perioperative mortality, but 6 (8.8%) patients experienced complications.

CONCLUSIONS

LRYGB resulted in significant weight loss and remission of T2DM in Chinese patients. Despite a lower response rate of surgery treatment compared with obese patients, T2DM patients with BMI≤27.5 kg/m still exhibited improvement and remission of T2DM. Diabetic patients should consider bariatric surgery, especially if traditional pharmacotherapy has not been effective. Longer follow-up is required for better evaluation.

Management of pediatric and adolescent type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was an adult disease until recently, but the rising rates of obesity around the world have resulted in a younger age at presentation. Children who have T2D have several comorbidities and complications reminiscent of adult diabetes, but these are appearing in teens instead of midlife. In this review, we discuss the clinical presentation and management options for youth with T2D. We discuss the elements of lifestyle intervention programs and allude to pharmacotherapeutic options used in the treatment of T2D youth. We also discuss comorbidities and complications seen in T2D in children and adolescents.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and medical management for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in non-morbidly obese patients: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are often associated in the same metabolic pathology and represent a significant public health problem. Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a relatively recent technique of bariatric surgery, it has shown to be efficient and safe and has obtained much support from physicians and patients. Several studies have highlighted the effects in terms of resolution and improvement of diabetes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

From January 2009 to November 2012, 15 patients in Obesity Class II (body mass index [BMI], 37.9 ± 1.5 kg/m(2); baseline weight, 102.7 ± 11.6 kg) with uncontrolled T2DM despite taking a glucose-lowering drug therapy (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], 8.1 ± 0.6%) underwent LSG and advanced practice medical management in accordance with the American Diabetes Association guidelines. All patients were subjected to follow-up controls with anthropometric and metabolic indices at 5, 15, 30, and 60 days, and at 6 and 12 months after surgery, remission of diabetes was also evaluated.

RESULTS

At 1 year after surgery, the mean excess weight loss percentage (EWL%) was 58.4%, and the mean BMI had decreased from the preoperative value of 37.9 kg/m(2) to 30.4 kg/m(2). The average reduction in HbA1c was 2.5 (30.9%). The mean homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance decreased from 13.3 to 4.9. Overall, during the period of observation, four patients (26.7%) had started drug therapy again, six patients had complete remission (40%), and five patients had partial remission (33.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

LSG not only makes it possible to attain a significant EWL% in obese patients, but also a remission or improvement of diabetes. Further studies are required to determine the duration of the effect and the role of different factors involved.

Acylation stimulating protein reduction precedes insulin sensitization after BPD-DS bariatric surgery in severely obese women

OBJECTIVE

The mechanisms involved in early resolution of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) surgery are still unknown. We evaluated early effects of BPD-DS on plasma acylation stimulating protein (ASP), an adipokine involved in lipid and glucose metabolism.

SUBJECTS

32 non-diabetic and 22 diabetic severely obese women (BMI40 kg m(-2)) were evaluated for body composition and plasma parameters before, 24 h, 5 days, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Within the early postoperative period (24 h), ASP decreased 25 and 30% in non-diabetic and diabetic women, respectively (P<0.001). Twenty-four hours after surgery, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL-Chol, LDL-Chol and C3 also decreased, while glucose, insulin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) increased (all P<0.001). By 5 days, without significant weight loss, the decreases in ASP, cholesterol, HDL-Chol and LDL-Chol levels were all maintained. At this time, glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR also decreased 11 to 52% (all P<0.001). At 6 and 12 months, with pronounced weight loss and decreased per cent fat mass, there were further decreases in ASP (maximal -56% non-diabetic, -61% diabetic, P<0.001), as well as in glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-Chol, HDL-Chol and hsCRP levels. Improved insulin resistance/diabetes at 5 days was predicted by 24 h changes as follows: per cent change ASP, HDL-Chol, hsCRP and total cholesterol predicted HOMA-IR (5 days) (r(2)=0.454, P<0.001), and per cent change ASP, HDL-Chol and hsCRP predicted change (5 days vs baseline) in HOMA-IR (r(2)=0.351, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Acute postoperative decreases in ASP are associated with early improvement of insulin resistance/diabetes after BPD-DS surgery.

Bariatric surgery and bone disease: from clinical perspective to molecular insights

The use of bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity has increased annually for the last decade. Although many studies have demonstrated the efficacy and durability of bariatric surgery for weight loss, there are limited data regarding long-term side effects of these procedures. Recently, there has been an increased focus on the impact of bariatric surgery on bone metabolism. Bariatric surgery utilizes one or more of three mechanisms of action resulting in sustained weight loss. These include restriction (gastric banding, vertical banded gastroplasty and sleeve gastrectomy), malabsorption surgery with or without associated restriction (Roux en Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch, biliopancreatic diversion and jejunoileal bypass) and changes in gut-derived hormones that control energy metabolism also referred to as neuro-hormonal control of energy metabolism (Roux en Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch, biliopancreatic diversion, jejunoileal bypass, surgical procedures as above and gastric sleeve). Weight reduction has been associated with increased bone resorption but the mechanisms behind this have not yet been fully elucidated. Each of the mechanisms of action of bariatric surgery (restriction, malabsorption, neuro-hormonal control of energy metabolism) may uniquely affect bone resorption. In this paper we will review the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between bariatric surgery and bone metabolism with emphasis on possible mechanisms of action such as malnutrition, hormonal interactions and mechanical unloading of the skeleton. Further, we suggest a future research agenda.

Rising incidence and challenges of childhood diabetes. A mini review

Approximately 215,000 people younger than 20 yr of age, or 1 in 500 children and adolescents, had diabetes in the United States in 2010--and the incidence is rising. We still have insufficient knowledge about the precise mechanisms leading to the autoimmune mediated β-cell destruction in Type 1 diabetes, and the β-cell failure associated with insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes. Long-term complications are similar: micro- and macrovascular disease occurs prematurely and presents an enormous burden on affected individuals, often as early as in middle age. In Type 1 diabetes, technological advances have clearly improved blood glucose management, but chronic peripheral over-insulinization remains a problem even with the most advanced systems. Thus, in Type 1 diabetes our research must focus on 1) finding the stimulus that ignites the immune response and 2) developing treatments that avoid hyperinsulinemia. In Type 2 diabetes in youth, the challenges start much earlier: most young patients do not even benefit from existing therapies due to non-compliance. Therefore, prevention of Type 2 diabetes and improvement of compliance, especially with non-pharmacological interventions, are the greatest challenges.

Beyond fast food and slow motion: weighty contributors to the obesity epidemic

Decreased physical activity and marketing-driven increased consumption of "junk" food, dubbed "The Big Two", are generally regarded as the most important contributors to the obesity epidemic. However, the full picture contains many more pieces of the puzzle. We address several additional issues and review current clinical developments in obesity research. In spite of dramatic advancements in our understanding of the adipose organ and its endocrine and immune products, the ultimate causes of the obesity epidemic remain elusive. Treatment is plagued by poor adherence to life style modifications, and available pharmacological options are marginally effective, often also associated with major side effects. Surgical treatments, albeit effective in decreasing body weight, are invasive and expensive. Thus, our approaches to finding the causes, improving the existing treatments, and inventing novel therapies must be manifold.

Outcomes of bariatric surgery in adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The review summarizes the recent studies of bariatric surgery outcomes in adolescents.

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomized prospective studies demonstrate superior weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, and improvement in quality of life in morbidly obese adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery vs. lifestyle changes alone. The enthusiasm for laparoscopic adjustable banding (LAGB) has been tempered by high reoperation rates. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a promising procedure for adolescents because it avoids intestinal bypass and implantation of a foreign body; recent data from adult series demonstrate mid-term results comparable with laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass (LRYGB) with an improved safety profile.

SUMMARY

Bariatric surgery is superior to lifestyle changes alone in treating adolescent morbid obesity. LRYGB remains the gold-standard operation for both adolescents and adults. Although LAGB and LSG are appealing because they avoid intestinal bypass, long-term studies are needed to fully evaluate their efficacy and safety in the adolescent population.

Was Feuerbach right: are we what we eat?

Food and stress are powerful modulators of the body-mind connection, which is imbalanced in obese individuals. Why do we choose chocolate over an apple when overworked and stressed, and why does comfort food make us feel better? Two independent studies in the JCI, one in this issue, home in on the role of stress on gut hormones and food choices and, conversely, on the effect of the intestinal system on modulation of brain activity by sadness. These studies broaden our understanding of the ties between food and mood and underscore promising targets for obesity treatments.

Pharmacotherapy for obese adolescents

The pharmaceutical search to induce weight loss was precipitated by the United States Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) 1959 formal approval of phentermine for short-term weight loss despite limited research supporting its assertions of weight loss. In addition to sympathomimetic amine products like phentermine, other medications considered in this article include herbal products, sibutramine, orlistat, metformin, and rimonabant. The use of pharmacotherapy for morbidly obese adolescents should be part of a comprehensive weight-loss program that recommends diet, exercise, and behavioral modification. Side effects and the possibility of major adverse effects should be remembered when considering use of these products.