WIN Notes Update: January 2014

WIN Notes Update*

January 2014


LABS study shows adults had significant weight loss 3 years after bariatric surgery

Second study in teens shows few complications in first 30 days after surgery

National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded researchers found that adults with severe obesity had significant weight loss 3 years after bariatric surgery, with the majority losing the most weight during the first year. A separate study in teens with severe obesity found few incidences of complications in the first 30 days after bariatric surgery. These studies are part of the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS) and Teen-LABS. More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and almost 17 percent of youth are also obese. Severe obesity is a BMI of 35 or more in adults and teens. BMI measures weight in relation to height.

Both studies are funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of NIH.

LABS found that adults who had either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding had significant weight loss 3 years after surgery, with the majority losing the most weight during the first year. Researchers identified five different weight change patterns for each surgery. There were also varied improvements to diabetes, abnormal lipids, and high blood pressure among participants who had these health problems prior to surgery. LABS is an ongoing study, and its researchers will conduct longer-term follow-up on participants’ health and weight statuses.

Teen-LABS found that 30 days after surgery short-term complications were low, which researchers view as important information to help doctors and families better evaluate the risks and benefits of the procedure. Teen-LABS investigators will continue to follow participants to determine longer-term health and weight outcomes of bariatric surgery in teens.

NIH launched LABS in 2003 and Teen-LABS in 2007 to assess the short- and longer-term risks and benefits of bariatric surgery among adults and teens with severe obesity.

For full LABS study findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), go to http://bit.ly/1iHFRux. For full Teen-LABS study findings in JAMA Pediatrics, go to http://bit.ly/17j6rj9.

To learn more about weight-loss surgery, see WIN’s Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity.


What’s new with WIN publications?

Start your New Year with a new, healthier you

Whether you plan to adopt new healthy habits, want to be more active, or are thinking about starting a family this year, WIN’s newly revised publications can help you get off to a healthy start. They can help your patients and clients with their New Year’s goals too.


Changing Your Habits: Steps to Better Health

Changing Your Habits: Steps to Better Health

This updated fact sheet offers strategies to help you (or your clients) improve eating and physical activity habits. It outlines four stages people may go through when making a change: contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.


Fit for Two

Fit for Two: Tips for Pregnancy

Part of WIN’s Lifespan Series, this revised brochure provides easy-to-read advice about healthy weight gain, nutrition, and physical activity for pregnant women.



Tips to Help You Get Active

Tips to Help You Get Active

Beating your roadblocks to being physically active can be hard. Whether you are short on time, low on funds, or just not motivated, this updated brochure can help you find new ways to be active. It also features places where you or clients can write down goals, as well as barriers to activity and plans to work past them.


Watch for the next issue of the WIN Notes Update for . . .

. . . ideas for celebrating American Heart Month in February.

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