The Prevalence of Metabolically Healthy and Unhealthy Obesity Among Bariatric Surgery Candidates, According to ATPIII Criteria

Background/Aim: Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with obesity can be metabolically healthy. However, little is known about the healthy or unhealthy metabolic status of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. This study, therefore, assesses the prevalence of metabolically healthy (MHO) and unhealthy (MUO) obesity among bariatric surgery candidates. Methods: The study involved 713 bariatric surgery candidates (580 women and 133 men; age range 18-69 years). MHO and MUO were defined according to The National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). Results: Mean (±SD) patient age, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference were 40.44 (±10.26) years, 127.15 (±22.15) kg, 164.33 (±8.85) cm, 46.90 (±5.79) kg/m2, 122.57 (±13.93) cm, and 140.10 ( ±12.40) cm, respectively. 318 patients (44.6%) were classified as MHO and 395 (55.4%) as MUO. A higher percentage of participants aged 40 years and older suffered from unhealthy metabolic status (61%). Conclusion: A large percentage of bariatric surgery candidates are metabolically healthy. Additionally, the prevalence of MHO was higher at younger ages