MASSDEVICE ON CALL — Weight-loss surgery is an increasingly popular option for obese patients and those looking to control Type II diabetes, but the procedure may come at a cost, according to researchers.
Bariatric surgery may cause bone loss, especially when conducted in young patients that haven’t finished growing, according to an Australian study.
"In many situations significant weight loss is associated with bone loss, with or without surgery," study co-author Dr. Malgorzata Brzozowska said in a press release. "The more invasive types of surgery appear to heighten bone turnover and the associated bone loss. This is thought to be caused not only by rapid weight loss and absorption of fewer vital nutrients like vitamin D and calcium, but possibly also by changes in hormones released by fat and the gut, and their impact on the central nervous system."
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