Major weight loss by surgery or diet has same metabolic benefits: study

CHICAGO, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- A study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis indicates that weight loss, whether from surgery or diet, has same metabolic benefits.

The researchers compared 11 gastric bypass surgery patients who had diabetes with 11 others who had diabetes and achieved equivalent weight loss with diet alone. The average age of patients in the diet group was about 55, while the average in the surgery group was 49. Those in the surgery group lost an average of 51 pounds, while those in the diet group lost an average of 48 pounds.