Predicting Weight Loss After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Using Genetic Analysis

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Minnesota have developed a genome-wide polygenic risk score (PRS) to predict a 12-month percentage weight loss after vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). The study found that variability in post-VSG weight loss is not well explained by clinical factors, highlighting the potential of genetic analysis in improving outcomes for patients undergoing this surgery. The research team used data from the All of Us program, a large-scale genomics initiative, to identify 395 participants who underwent VSG and had their weight loss monitored for 12 months. They discovered 1583 stable variants associated with weight loss, which were used to develop a prediction model.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to create a genome-wide PRS to improve prediction of 12-month weight loss after VSG, which is a critical aspect of surgical outcomes.
  • The researchers used data from the All of Us program, a 414,830 short-read whole-genome sequencing resource, to develop the PRS.
  • The discovery cohort included 395 participants who underwent VSG, while the validation cohort consisted of 336 participants who were added to the program in version 8.
  • The researchers defined good responders and nonresponders based on weight loss within 1 standard deviation of the mean and identified 395 participants in the discovery cohort and 336 participants in the validation cohort.
  • The study concluded that the developed PRS has implications for outcomes of both bariatric surgery and other surgical procedures.
  • The research team included Rui Zhang, Yu Hou, Daniel Leslie, Sayeed Ikramuddin, and Jinhua Wang from the University of Minnesota.
  • The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and National Institute on Minority Health & Health Disparities (NIMHD).

Statistics:

  • 414,830 short-read whole-genome sequencing resource used for the study.
  • 395 participants in the discovery cohort who underwent VSG.
  • 336 participants in the validation cohort who underwent VSG.
  • 1583 stable variants associated with weight loss discovered by the researchers.
  • 395 participants classified as good responders (37% weight loss) and 55 participants classified as nonresponders.
  • Predictive model developed using elastic-net logistic regression to identify stable variants and derive beta-weights.

Sources:

  • Rui Zhang, Yu Hou, Daniel Leslie, Sayeed Ikramuddin, and Jinhua Wang. "Predicting Weight Loss After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Using a Whole-genome Sequencing-derived Polygenic Risk Score In the All of Us Cohort." Annals of Surgery, vol. 282, no. 4, 2025, pp. 563-569. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000004581
  • NewsRx. "Researchers from University of Minnesota Report New Studies and Findings in the Area of Gastrectomy (Predicting Weight Loss After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Using a Whole-genome Sequencing-derived Polygenic Risk Score In the All of Us Cohort)." Medical Devices & Surgical Technology Week, November 2, 2025.