Annals of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism

Review

Changes in perceptions of taste after bariatric surgery: a narrative review: Young Suk Park; Ann Clin Nutr Metab 2024;16(3):120-124. Published online December 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.15747/ACNM.2024.16.3.120

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose: Bariatric surgery effectively treats severe obesity, leading to significant weight loss and improved comorbidities. However, many patients experience postoperative alterations in taste perception, affecting food selection and eating behavior. This narrative review examines the current understanding of taste perception changes following bariatric surgery, including patterns, potential mechanisms, impact on weight loss outcomes, and implications for patient care.
Current concept: Changes in taste perception are frequently reported after bariatric procedures, with prevalence rates from 36% to 72%. Common alterations involve decreased preference and increased sensitivity to sweet and fatty tastes, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake and healthier food choices. Persistence of these changes varies and may depend on surgery type, with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients often experiencing more substantial effects than sleeve gastrectomy patients. Potential mechanisms include alterations in gut hormone secretion (e.g., GLP-1, peptide YY, ghrelin), modifications in neural pathways (e.g., vagus nerve), and shifts in the gut microbiome. These factors may collectively influence taste sensitivity and preferences, contributing to weight loss outcomes. Altered reward processing may reduce the appeal of high-calorie foods.
Conclusion: Alterations in taste perception are common after bariatric surgery and may significantly impact dietary behaviors, weight loss, and quality of life. While exact mechanisms are not fully understood, changes in gut hormones, neural pathways, and microbiota are likely involved. Patient counseling and postoperative management of bariatric surgery patients should address potential changes in taste. Further research is needed to elucidate the long-term impacts of taste alterations on weight-loss maintenance and nutritional status.

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