WASHINGTON -- A new study examining the overall and gender-related effects of LAP-BAND System surgery (LAGB) on insulin resistance, body composition, and metabolic risk markers six months post-surgery has found significant improvements in insulin resistance. The improvements occurred despite continuing obesity.

The results are from the study entitled Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Risk Factors and Body Composition Six Months after LAP-BAND System Surgery. Joan F. Carroll, Department of Integrative Physiology and Susan F. Franks, Departments of Family Medicine and Psychology, University of North Texas Health Science Center; Adam B. Smith, Laparoscopy, Bariatrics, and Surgery, and David R. Phelps, Radiology Associates of Tarrant County, Fort Worth, TX conducted the investigation.

Dr. Carroll is presenting the team's findings at the 120th annual meeting of the American Physiological Society (APS; www.The-APS.org), being held as part of the Experimental Biology (EB '07) conference. More than 12,000 scientific researchers will attend the gathering being held April 28-May 2, 2007 at the Washington, DC Convention Center.

Background

Overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. In fact, 65 percent of Americans are currently considered overweight or obese. Using body mass index (BMI) standards, overweight is defined as BMI between 25-30 kg/m2; obesity is defined as BMI>30 kg/m2.

Excess body fat is not simply a cosmetic problem; it constitutes a health risk as well. As the amount of adipose tissue (body fat) increases, the concentrations of substances produced in adipose tissue can become grossly abnormal. In addition, fat becomes deposited in the pancreas, liver and muscle, leading to metabolic derangements such as insulin resistance and/or diabetes. Obesity causes hypertension and abnormal levels of fat in the blood.

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Contact: Donna Krupa
DKrupa@the-APS.org
301-634-7209
American Physiological Society
1-May-2007