A02 - BS Ethnic and Social Deprivation Influence Weight Regain Following Roux En-Y Gastric Bypass

Abstract Background Weight regain is a prevalent issue following Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery for obesity. This study aims to assess the impact of ethnicity and social deprivation on the likelihood of weight regain post-RYGB. Method We analysed data from Luton & Dunstable Hospital. Key variables included patient demographics such as sex, age, ethnicity, social deprivation (Indices of Multiple Deprivation – IMD), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) at the time of surgery. Weight regain was defined as the regaining of more than 25% of the Total Body Weight Loss (TBWL) achieved after RYGB. Results Out of 1,346 patients who underwent RYGB, 80% were female. The median age was 48 years (IQR: 39-55), and the median BMI was 44.7 kg/m^2 (IQR: 40.6-50.1). At a median follow-up of 39 months, 20.7% experienced weight regain. Multivariable analysis showed that patients from Black (HR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.33-1.81, p=0.009) and Asian (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.23-1.71, p=0.011) ethnic groups, as well as those from more socially deprived backgrounds (HR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.99 – 3.13, p<0.001), were more likely to experience weight regain compared to their White and more affluent counterparts. Conclusion Ethnicity and social deprivation significantly influence the likelihood of weight regain following RYGB. The factors contributing to these disparities are likely multifaceted, encompassing genetic, social, and educational elements. Early identification of patients at increased risk of weight regain and the provision of tailored resources can help mitigate this risk and enhance surgical outcomes.