The Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy on the Appetitive Domain of Taste Using the Progressive Ratio Task

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an effective treatment for obesity in adolescents. The underlying weight loss mechanism may impact the peripheral and central gustatory system along with reward circuits in the brain. This study aims to assess changes in appetitive behavior in short-, medium-, and long-term follow-up.

In this prospective observational study, a total of 8 adolescents with obesity who underwent SG and 9 comparator unoperated participants were studied. Appetitive behaviour towards fat and sweet taste stimuli was assessed using the Progressive Ratio Task (PRT) over a 6 year period.

Mean body mass index (BMI) of the surgical patients dropped from 51.5 ± 2.8 kg/m² to 31.4 ± 1.9 and 30.9 ± 2.3 kg/m² at 1 and 6 years follow-up, respectively. (p < 0.001). The median (interquartile range) total rewards earned during the PRT was 6 (5–7) pre-surgery, 5 (3–6) after one year and 4 (2–4) after six years from surgery (p = 0.007).

SG reduced appetitive behaviour at 1 year with maintained the benefit over 6 years as measured by the progressive ratio task.