Racial Disparities in the Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Racial disparities in surgical outcomes have been identified in multiple fields including bariatric surgery. Obesity and metabolic co-morbidities often affect racial minorities to a greater extent than Caucasian patients; however, the impact of bariatric surgery is often dampened. The purpose of this review is to evaluate possible racial difference in bariatric surgery outcomes. Recent Findings: Obesity is a national epidemic which disproportionately affects racial minorities. Bariatric surgery, while safe and effective, has been shown to result in variable outcomes depending on the race of the patient. Non-Hispanic Black patients often have less weight loss, lower resolution of diabetes, and a higher rate of post-operative complications. Socioeconomic status has been theorized to account for the variance seen among races; however, various studies into socioeconomic factors have yielded mixed results. Summary: Based on current evidence there remains a racial difference in some, but not all postoperative surgical outcomes. Despite these findings, bariatric surgery remains safe and effective and patients meeting criteria for bariatric surgery should strongly consider the options. However, further investigations are needed to bridge the racial differences in bariatric outcomes.