Physical Fitness and Body Composition Two Years after Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass in Adolescents

We have previously shown promising results 2 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, within the Adolescence Morbid Obesity Surgery study (AMOS). The aim of the current study was to describe the 2-year outcome in cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and functional capacity in the Stockholm subset of the AMOS study. Forty-one adolescents (10 male, 31 female, age 14-18 years, body mass index 35-69 kg center dot m(-2)) were included. In addition to anthropometric measurements, participants performed a submaximal bicycle test, 6-min walk test, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and a short interview at baseline, 1 and 2 years after surgery. Relative improvements in maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) per kilogram body mass (+62 %) and per kilogram fat-free mass (+21 %), as well as walking distance (+13 %) were observed after 1 year, and persisted 2 years after surgery. Despite a reduction of fat-free mass (-15 %), absolute VO(2)max was maintained across the full group (+8 %, p = ns) and significantly increased in non-smokers. Body mass and fat mass were significantly decreased (-45.4 and -33.3 kg, respectively). Self-reported physical activity was significantly increased, and pain associated with movement was reduced. In adolescents with obesity, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass improved VO(2)max more than could be explained by fat mass loss alone. In combination with improved functional capacity and body composition, these results suggest that surgery in adolescence might add specific benefits of importance for future health.