chemistry3198

An international throng of obesity researchers, providers and surgeons is in Boston this week sharing information, ideas and research. Here's your Thursday update from Bariatric Pal's reporter at large, Elizabeth Anderson, RD.


Very interesting news from Obesity Week presentation in Boston.
Research has shown after SG or GB (in rats...I know, I know!):
1. appetite decreases due to brain changes-- not just limited stomach size
2. the brain literally changes after repeated episodes of sickness after eating too much. Aversive
conditioning makes the idea of some foods or overeating--disgusting
3. no one single hormone or nerve is solely responsible for decreased appetite
4. there's a strengthening in the executive control or restraint part of the brain
5. the very low cal diet prior to surgery mimics the appetite suppression seen after gastric bypass surgery. In other words, we're training the brain new ways to approach food, before surgery
6. there's a change in the reward system of the brain after WLS
7. formerly obese rats have less drive for concentrated sweets and fat than their lean pals
Fascinating! We'll watch to see the implications for humans.