Postoperative Changes in Eating Behavior After Sleeve Gastrectomy are Associated With IL-10 Independent of Anthropometric Changes

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by metainflammation, in which cytokines may influence not only metabolism but also the regulation of eating behaviors. The role of the anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) in modulating behavioral changes following bariatric surgery remains poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the relationship between changes in inflammatory markers and changes in eating behaviors and food preferences following sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, adult patients undergoing LSG (n = 49) were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months post-surgery. Measurements included anthropometric parameters, IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations, eating behaviors (TFEQ-13), and food preferences (FPQ). RESULTS: LSG resulted in significant reductions in body weight, anthropometric measures, and IL-6 (p < 0.0001). Improvements in eating behaviors (reduced emotional and uncontrolled eating) and food preferences (reduced snack intake, p < 0.0001, Kendall's W = 0.392) were observed. Changes in IL-6 were not associated with eating behaviors. In contrast, changes in IL-10 were significantly associated with changes in starchy food preferences (r = -0.53; p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, ΔIL-10 remained an independent predictor of ΔFPQ starch (B = -0.213; p = 0.003), independent of waist circumference, age, and sex. Anthropometric changes were not significant after correction. CONCLUSION: Changes in eating behavior following LSG were accompanied by changes in inflammatory markers, particularly IL-10. These findings suggest that immune and behavioral adaptations may co-occur during postoperative recovery.