Fat mass index predicts the effect of weight loss and quality of life early after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Abstract

Background Fat mass index (FMI) is a body composition indicator that reflects body fat content. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is widely performed in patients with obesity. Objective This study aimed to evaluated the value of the FMI in predicting weight loss effect and quality of life early after LSG. Material and Methods From January 2014 to July 2022, the clinical data and computed tomography (CT) images of patients underwent LSG at a tertiary referral teaching hospital were analyzed. Body composition indicators were calculated using the SliceOmatic software. Achieving initial body mass index within 6 months postoperatively was defined as early eligible weight loss (EEWL). The relationship between body composition and EEWL was analyzed. Results A total of 243 patients were included. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the predictive value of the FMI for EEWL in patients after LSG was higher than that of other indicators (all P<0.05; area under the curve = 0.813). The best FMI cut-off point was 13.662. Accordingly, the patients were divided into the high-FMI group and low-FMI group. The %EWL and BMI of patients in the low-FMI group at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 months after surgery were better than those in the high-FMI group (all P<0.001). Patients in the low-FMI group had higher BAROS (Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System) scores than those in the high-FMI group (P<0.001). Conclusion Compared with other body composition indicators, FMI can effectively predict the early effect of weight loss and quality of life after LSG.