Elevated BMI Levels Increase Risk of Post-Bariatric Surgery Complications

Recent research presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting highlights the correlation between higher body mass index (BMI) and increased risks of complications following bariatric procedures. The study emphasizes that individuals with a BMI of 50 or above are particularly vulnerable to postoperative issues.

The investigation analyzed data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), encompassing 665,047 cases of obesity-related surgeries such as sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass performed between 2020 and 2023. Findings revealed that as BMI increases, so does the rate of complications—by an average of 5.56%—with serious adverse events rising by 3.21% from the lowest to the highest BMI categories.

Dr. John Scott, a leading expert in bariatric surgery, explained that the risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality notably jumps once patients pass the BMI threshold of 50. Although obesity is inherently a risk factor, the study underscores that surgical risks remain relatively low but escalate significantly with increasing BMI.

The research aims to refine patient counseling and improve surgical safety by providing detailed data on complication risks associated with different BMI levels. Experts note that understanding these risks helps tailor preoperative preparations and enhances overall patient outcomes.

This significant study sheds light on the importance of considering BMI when assessing surgical risks and emphasizes ongoing efforts to optimize bariatric surgery results for individuals with severe obesity.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-higher-body-mass-index-complications.html