Boost Brain Power with Bariatric Surgery

Could enhanced cognitive function be an added benefit of weight loss surgery? A team of researchers recently asked this very question and have found that there is something to it. Namely, patients who undergo bariatric surgery exhibit a significant difference in memory function one year following the operation, especially when compared with others who did not undergo a weight loss procedure.

This research stems from the understanding that many patients who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk for developing problems with mental functioning over time, including memory loss. Since mental decline is understood to progress as a result of obesity, this study set out to explore if losing weight through bariatric surgery can actually reverse it, and the results were promising for many bariatric patients.

A number of weight loss procedures were found to be beneficial for improved cognitive function, including surgery with a gastric band. St. Petersburg residents may experience the mental benefits of bariatric surgery in addition to enhanced weight loss after undergoing Lap-Band surgery.

This study evaluated 137 patients who were trying to lose weight. Out of these patients, 95 underwent bariatric surgery and the remaining 42 remained the control group. One year following their weight loss operation, bariatric patients performed better on tests of memory and cognitive function than did obese individuals.

This study is not implying that individuals who undergo bariatric surgery will develop extreme cognitive function that healthy individuals are not already capable of, but instead that bariatric surgery can reverse any cognitive damage that may have incurred as a result of obesity.