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The Efficacy of Energy-Restricted Diets in Achieving Preoperative Weight Loss for Bariatric Patients: a Systematic Review

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Abstract

In bariatric practice, a preoperative weight loss of at least 5% is recommended. However, the hypocaloric diets prescribed vary and no consensus exists. This study examined the efficacy of preoperative diets in achieving 5% weight loss. From a systematic literature search, eight randomised controlled trials (n = 862) were identified. Half of the trials used a “very-low-calorie diet” whilst the rest employed a “low-calorie diet”. Only five diets achieved ≥ 5% weight loss over varying durations and energy intakes. By inference, compliance with a 700–1050 kcal (2929–4393 kJ) diet, consisting of moderate carbohydrate, high protein and low/moderate fat, for 3 weeks is likely to achieve 5% weight loss. A low-carbohydrate diet (< 20 g/day) may achieve this target within a shorter duration. Additional research is required to validate these conclusions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK

    Fathimath Naseer, Barbara Livingstone & Ruth Price

  2. Department of Surgery, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119077, Singapore

    Asim Shabbir

  3. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119077, Singapore

    Asim Shabbir & Nicholas L. Syn

  4. Department of Clinical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, UK

    Orla Flannery

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  1. Fathimath Naseer
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Naseer, F., Shabbir, A., Livingstone, B. et al. The Efficacy of Energy-Restricted Diets in Achieving Preoperative Weight Loss for Bariatric Patients: a Systematic Review. OBES SURG 28, 3678–3690 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-018-3451-1

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