Clinical Report: Chronotype Influences Bariatric Surgery Outcomes in Italian Cohort
Overview
This prospective cohort study of 263 bariatric surgery patients investigated the association between chronotype and surgical outcomes at 6 and 12 months. Findings suggest that chronotype, categorized as morning, intermediate, or evening, correlates with differences in weight loss and anthropometric parameters post-surgery.
Background
Bariatric surgery is a key treatment for severe obesity, but patient outcomes vary widely. Chronotype, an individual's circadian preference for activity and sleep timing, influences eating behaviors and metabolic regulation. Evening chronotypes tend to consume more calories later in the day and have been associated with higher obesity prevalence. The impact of chronotype on bariatric surgery success remains unclear, with limited and inconclusive evidence to date.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Baseline
6 Months
12 Months
Body Weight (kg)
Median (IQR)
Median (IQR)
Median (IQR)
BMI (kg/m²)
Median (IQR)
Median (IQR)
Median (IQR)
Waist Circumference (cm)
Median (IQR)
Median (IQR)
Median (IQR)
% Excess Weight Loss (%EWL)
NA
Value
Value
% Initial Body Weight Loss (%IBWL)
NA
Value
Value
Key Findings
Chronotype was classified using the reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) into morning, intermediate, and evening types.
Evening chronotype patients exhibited different baseline biochemical and anthropometric profiles compared to morning and intermediate types.
At 6 and 12 months post-surgery, morning chronotype patients demonstrated greater percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) and percentage initial body weight loss (%IBWL) than evening types.
Waist circumference reduction was more pronounced in morning chronotype individuals at follow-up assessments.
The study suggests that chronotype may influence adherence to postoperative lifestyle modifications, impacting weight loss outcomes.
Clinical Implications
Assessment of chronotype using validated questionnaires like the rMEQ may help identify patients at risk for suboptimal bariatric surgery outcomes. Tailoring postoperative nutritional and behavioral interventions according to chronotype could enhance weight loss efficacy and long-term comorbidity control. Clinicians should consider chronotype as a factor when planning multidisciplinary care for bariatric patients.
Conclusion
Chronotype is significantly associated with bariatric surgery outcomes, with morning types achieving better weight loss and anthropometric improvements at 6 and 12 months. Incorporating chronotype evaluation into preoperative assessment may optimize personalized treatment strategies.
References
Italian Society of Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Diseases (SICOB) 2023 -- Bariatric Surgery Guidelines
Reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) Validation Study
