Outcomes after sleeve gastrectomy differ across race, ethnicities

Glycaemic outcomes following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) vary by race and ethnicity, with non-Hispanic Black (NHB) participants showing less favourable outcomes, reports a study.

Patients who underwent SG between 2017 and 2020 were included in this longitudinal study, with follow-up visits over 24 months.

NHB patients demonstrated lower percent total weight loss (%TWL) at 3, 12, and 24 months than Hispanic and non-Hispanic White (NHW) participants. NHBs also had initially a lower fat mass index, with smaller reductions over time. Significant group differences persisted at 24 months.

At baseline, NHB participants had higher fat-free mass index values. By 24 months, Hispanic participants had lower fat-free mass index values. Although haemoglobin A1c decreased across groups, it remained consistently higher among NHB and Hispanic participants than NHW participants at 24 months.

Notably, perceived discrimination, sleep disturbance, and perceived stress appeared to be greater among NHB participants compared with Hispanic and NHW counterparts at all time points.

Employment status significantly correlated with %TWL at 12 months. A significant association was also observed between employment status and race and ethnicity at 12 and 24 months. This finding suggested that employment-related disparities could affect surgical outcomes.

“NHB participants experienced less favourable outcomes following SG, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions addressing socioeconomic and psychosocial disparities,” the authors said.