Breadcrumb links

Navigation

Bariatric surgery as an experimental model

Bariatric surgery is an effective intervention for obesity and its metabolic consequences but its mechanism of action is poorly understood, particularly why positive metabolic effects are observed before (or independently of) weight loss. This may be a result of the surgery itself, or a consequence of the marked caloric restriction that follows. The clinical use of bariatric surgery provides an excellent opportunity to use it as a model to understand the mechanisms of the adverse physiological effects of obesity. The use of bariatric surgery as an experimental tool will provide important insights into gut-brain interactions, linking priorities in mechanistic and neuroendocrine research. Suggested developments include:

  • Using bariatric surgery as an experimental tool to understand actions of and synergies between appetite regulation hormones, providing a basis for pharmacological simulation of surgery.
  • Application of human and mouse genetics to bariatric surgery (including identification of responders/non-responders). Related studies, such as caloric restriction in the Ob/Ob mouse, have already generated insights.
  • Establishment of an intensively phenotyped, UK-wide bariatric surgery cohort, integrating clinical and basic science.

Priorities for MRC obesity research Mechanisms of obesity and associated disease Neuroscience of obesity Prevention and intervention: obesity and links to disease Physical activity Ethnicity and obesity Bariatric surgery as a research tool Global health Method development (including dietary behaviour)