Does Weight Loss Surgery Affect Men and Women Differently?
A 2026 study found that men and postmenopausal women (those who have been through menopause) tend to arrive at weight loss surgery carrying more health conditions than premenopausal women, even when their body mass index, or BMI, is lower. The study also found differences in complication rates and weight loss results between these groups.
The Study Looked at Over 17,000 People Who Had Gastric Bypass or Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Researchers analysed national registry data covering 17,567 people who had gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery in 2018 and 2019. The group included men, premenopausal women and postmenopausal women, and results were tracked for up to 24 months after surgery. This was a registry based study, so individual circumstances were not fully captured.
Men and Postmenopausal Women Were More Likely to Have Type 2 Diabetes Before Surgery
About 3 in 10 men and postmenopausal women had type 2 diabetes before surgery, compared with about 1 in 10 premenopausal women. Postmenopausal women also experienced more severe complications after surgery than either of the other two groups. Men tended to lose a smaller proportion of their total body weight than women overall.
The Results Give Useful Signals but Were Drawn from One National Registry
These findings highlight real differences in how men and postmenopausal women present for bariatric surgery, often with more health conditions already present. Because the data came from one national registry, the results may not apply to every population or healthcare setting. Outcomes also vary from person to person.
About this research: Sex disparities in patients undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery: Data from a national registry, Clinical Nutrition, 2026. Read the study summary
More about what to expect from a weight loss surgery consultation is on our weight loss surgery consultation page. If you are considering your options, call us on (03) 9760 2777 or request an appointment through our website.