Comparative analysis of metabolic and bariatric surgery outcomes and complications in patients under and over 50 years of age.

Objective: The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally, necessitating effective treatment strategies. The effectiveness of Metabolic and Bariatric surgery (MBS) as a therapeutic option across different age groups remains debated. This study aimed to compare the outcomes and complications of MBS in patients less than 50 years old and 50 years or older.

Methods and materials: This retrospective study analyzed data from patients who underwent MBS in a referral hospital in Mashhad, Iran, between April 2012 and March 2017. The recorded follow-up information was included for patients with at least six months post-surgery.

Results: The study included 709 patients, 519 patients aged ≤ 50 years, and 190 patients > 50. The average age, weight, and BMI of the participants were 42.7 ± 13.24 years, 126.6 ± 31.23 kg, and 47.2 ± 10.37 kg/m2, respectively. Both age groups demonstrated significant improvements in BMI, cholesterol, and TG levels post-surgery, while significant improvements in FBS levels were observed only in the younger group (p < 0.05). Overall, substantial reductions in the prevalence of obesity-related comorbidity were observed in both age groups post-surgery (p < 0.05). None of the post-surgical complications had a statistically significant difference between the two age groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: MBS is effective in reducing obesity-related comorbidities, regardless of age. Age should not be a limiting factor for MBS, as the benefits and complications do not differ significantly between patients under and over 50 years old.