Weight loss and metabolic outcomes of bariatric surgery in men versus women — A matched comparative observational cohort study

•There exists a gender disparity with regard to patients having bariatric surgery.•This may be due to the perception that men benefit less than women.•We studied an equal number of men and women matched for 6 key characteristics.•There was no significant difference in weight or metabolic outcomes.

BackgroundDespite the high prevalence of morbid obesity, the global frequency of bariatric surgery in men is significantly lower than in women. It is unclear if this is due to the perception of poorer outcomes in men.ObjectivesCompare weight loss and metabolic outcomes in men vs. women after bariatric surgery.SettingUniversity teaching hospital in North West England.MethodsWe performed an observational cohort analysis of 79 men matched to 79 women for baseline age (± 5 years), body mass index (BMI; ± 2 kg/m2), bariatric procedure (69 gastric bypass and 10 sleeve gastrectomy each), type 2 diabetes (33 each), and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA; 40 each).ResultsOverall mean (95% confidence interval) reduction in BMI was 17.5 (15.7–19.4) kg/m2 (P < 0.001) at 24 months. There was no significant difference between men and women in mean percentage excess BMI loss (65.8% vs. 72.9%) at 24 months. Likewise, there were significant reductions in blood pressure, glycosylated haemoglobin and total cholesterol-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol overall but no significant gender differences. Postoperatively, 77.5% of men and 90.0% of women with OSA discontinued CPAP therapy (non-significant).ConclusionsWeight loss and metabolic outcomes after bariatric surgery are of similar magnitude in men compared to women. The use of bariatric surgery in eligible men should be encouraged.