Preoperative Low-Energy Diets May Reduce Surgical Risks

Patients with obesity undergoing non-bariatric surgery who follow low-energy diets show promise for better outcomes.

• In a pilot study, 91 patients were randomized to a low-energy diet or standard care; adherence to the diet was 81.7%.
• Patients on the diet lost an average of 4.5 kg in three weeks.
• A meta-analysis indicated an 18% relative risk reduction in postoperative morbidity for those on low-energy diets, though results warrant further validation.

Consider preoperative low-energy diets to optimize outcomes for your patients with a BMI over 30.