Patients who undergo gastric bypass gain an unexpected bonus from the procedure, according to a Swedish study.
The procedure reduces appetite – but the latest findings show how it also increases energy consumption.
And the increase in energy consumption occurs from the process of eating.
The researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, say the finding solves a mystery about the effectiveness of gastric bypass. This was because reduced intake of calories did not explain the extent of weight loss that patients enjoy.
They have reported their findings in PLoS One.
The research involved six women patients, who spent time in a "metabolic chamber" before surgery and up to two years afterwards. The chamber is furnished with the comforts of a hotel room – but allows researchers to monitor their metabolism.
Researcher Malin Werling said: "Parts of the small intestine become more active and require additional nutrition after a gastric bypass.
"As a result, the blood absorbs fewer nutrients to store as fat. You might say that people burn calories by eating."
Roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery increases respiratory quotient and energy expenditure during food intake PLoS One 22 June 2015 [abstract]
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