Pharmacologic management of weight regain following bariatric surgery

While bariatric surgery restults in significant long-term weight loss for most patients with obesity, post-surgical weight gain affects a considerable percentage of patients to varying degrees of severity. Furthermore, a small but significant percentage of patients experience inadequate post-surgical weight loss. Although many studies have examined the role of anti-obesity medications to address post-operative weight regain, an evidence-based consensus has not yet been achieved because of the heterogeneity of populations studied and the studies themselves. Observational studies in the post-bariatric surgery population consistently demonstrate the benefit of medical weight management after bariatric surgery, with most evidence highlighting liraglutide, topiramate, and phentermine/topiramate. New anti-obesity medications are anticipated to be helpful for post-surgical weight optimization given their efficacy in the non-surgical population.

Automated summary

Although bariatric surgery leads to significant long-term weight loss, weight gain after surgery affects a considerable percentage of patients. Additionally, some patients experience inadequate weight loss. The effectiveness of anti-obesity medications for post-operative weight gain has not been firmly established yet due to varying study populations and designs. Observational studies consistently show the benefits of medical weight management after bariatric surgery, particularly with liraglutide, topiramate, and phentermine/topiramate, while new anti-obesity medications are expected to be helpful for post-surgical weight optimization.