The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Bone Health

The prevalence of obesity, with its associated co-morbidities, is on the rise, and bariatric surgery is proving to be an effective means of allowing sustained weight loss as compared to alternative strategies. Follow up data is starting to accumulate showing evidence of the impact on bone metabolism, with associated clinical implications, including pathological fracture at a relatively young age. Furthermore this effect is seen to be different with regards to what type of procedure is performed. This review provides a summary on this topic, including an overview of the background science of bone metabolism and relates this to the nutritional sequelae of bariatric surgery. Follow up data on each procedure is reviewed, and recommended management and monitoring strategies discussed.