Association between decreased dietary intake during hospitalization and long‐term weight loss in postoperative gastric cancer patients over 75 years of age: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose: Weight loss following gastrectomy is a significant concern, and maintaining adequate nutrition is necessary, especially given the growing number of older adult patients. This study examined the relationship between postoperative food intake and long-term weight loss in postgastrectomy patients aged ≥75 years.Methods: Out of 88 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer at our institute, 46 were aged ≥75 years. These patients were divided into two groups: one with an average energy intake exceeding 50% of the basal metabolic rate and one with an intake below 50% of the basal metabolic rate. The percentage change in body weight up to 6 months post-surgery was compared between the groups.Results: In the group with higher dietary intake, the rate of weight change at 3 and 6 months postoperatively was lower, and fewer patients received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.Conclusion: Poor postoperative food intake may serve as a predictor of weight loss up to 3 months following surgery in postgastrectomy patients aged ≥75 years.