This study compares three preoperative strategies before one anastomosis gastric bypass(OAGB) for severe obesity. Participants will be assigned to receive either tirzepatide medication for 60 days, a ketogenic diet for 4 weeks, or standard care before surgery. The main goal is to determine which approach leads to the best weight loss one year after surgery. The study will also evaluate safety, surgical outcomes, and improvement of obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Obesity remains a major global health challenge. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective treatment for severe obesity, but outcomes vary significantly among patients. This study investigates whether preoperative optimization with pharmacological treatment (tirzepatide) or dietary intervention (ketogenic diet) can improve long-term weight loss compared to proceeding directly to surgery without specific preoperative preparation. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that has shown remarkable efficacy in weight reduction trials. The ketogenic diet is a very-low-calorie approach that induces rapid weight loss while preserving lean body mass. However, no randomized trial has directly compared these strategies for preoperative optimization in MBS candidates. This multicenter randomized controlled trial will enroll 96 patients with severe obesity (BMI 45-55 kg/m²) scheduled for One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB). Participants will be randomized 1:1:1 to three arms: (A) tirzepatide treatment for 60 days with dose escalation (2.5 mg → 5 mg → 7.5 mg weekly subcutaneous injections); (B) supervised ketogenic diet for 4 weeks (700 kcal/day with less than 50g carbohydrates); or (C) standard preoperative care without specific intervention. All participants will undergo standardized OAGB surgery performed by experienced surgeons. The primary endpoint is percentage of total weight loss at 12 months post-surgery. Secondary endpoints include perioperative outcomes (operative time, complications, hospital stay), resolution of obesity-related comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea), nutritional status. Randomization will be stratified by baseline BMI category, presence of type 2 diabetes, and participating center to ensure balance across important prognostic factors. Follow-up visits will occur at 30 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-surgery with comprehensive clinical and laboratory assessments. This study will provide crucial evidence to guide clinical decision-making regarding optimal preoperative management strategies for patients undergoing bariatric surgery, addressing the balance between potential benefits of preoperative weight loss and surgical safety.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
96
University Federico II of Naples
Naples, Italy, Italy
Percentage of Total Weight Loss at 1 Year Post-Surgery
The primary endpoint is the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) measured at 12 months after bariatric surgery. %TWL is calculated as: \[(Baseline Weight - Weight at 12 months) / Baseline Weight\] × 100
Time frame: 1 year
Percentage of Excess Weight Loss at 1 Year
Percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) calculated as: \[(Baseline Weight - Weight at 12 months) / (Baseline Weight - Ideal Body Weight)\] × 100, where Ideal Body Weight is calculated using the Devine formula
Time frame: 1 year
Absolute Weight Loss at 1 Year
Absolute weight loss measured in kilograms (kg), calculated as the difference between baseline weight (at randomization) and weight at 12 months post-surgery
Time frame: 1 year
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.