Obesity, Bariatric Surgery, and Fractures

Abstract

Context: Obesity and its associated comorbidities are a recognized and growing public health problem. For a long time, obesity-associated effects on bone were considered to strengthen the bone, mainly because of the known relationship between body weight and bone mass and the long-term weight-bearing load effect on bone. However, recent epidemiologic studies have shown that obesity may not have a fully protective effect on the occurrence of fragility fractures. The goal of this article is to review updated information on the link between obesity, bariatric surgery, and fractures.

Methods: The primary source literature for this review was acquired by searching a published database for reviews and articles up to January 2018. Additional references were selected through the in-depth analysis of the relevant studies.

Results: We present data showing that overweight and obesity are often encountered in fracture cases. We also analyzed possible reasons and risk factors for fractures associated with overweight and patients with obesity. In addition, this review focuses on the complex effects of dramatic changes in body composition when interpreting dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry readings and findings. Finally, we review the data on the effects and consequences of bariatric surgery on bone metabolism and the risk of fractures in patients undergoing these procedures.

Conclusion: Because of various adiposity-induced effects, patients with obesity are at risk for fracture in certain sites. Bariatric surgery increases the risk of fractures in patients undergoing malabsorptive procedures.