Weight loss surgery often results in long term weight loss whereas those who are successful on a low calorie diet often find it is very difficult to maintain their weight loss over time. Why surgery is more successful than dieting has been a mystery until now.
In a recent study, researchers looked at the brain activity of people who had type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and had undergone weight loss surgery. The brain activity was measured using MRI scans. The results showed there were three types of brain response in those who had weight loss surgery. How the mind takes pleasure in food and eating; limiting the impulse to eat; and how the brain and body control body weight by brain responses that were activated in those who had surgery. These responses helped them continue to lose weight and/or maintain their weight loss. Those on a low calorie diet did not activate these brain signals that would help them control food intake.
The researchers felt that these brain changes after surgery were strong contributing factors for long term weight management. The study was small but the results were promising and support the benefits of bariatric surgery.
