Introduction: Previous studies have shown that weight gain commonly occurs after liver transplantation (LTx). Few risk factors have been studied.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the weight changes and incidence excessive weight up to 3 years after surgery.
Methods: Post-LTx patients were assessed for their weight changes and incidence of excessive weight before liver disease; on the first outpatient appointment after LTx; 3 and 6 mo after LTx; 1; 2 and 3y after LTx. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and clinical variables were collected to assess risk factors for weight gain, overweight and obesity using linear and logistic regression analysis.
Results: Eighty patients undergoing LTx between 1997/2006 were assessed. Patients lost an average of 9.1 kg during liver disease. This weight was recovered within 1 year after surgery; after 3 years, patients had gained an average of 11.6 kg. The incidence of excessive weight increased over the years, and 56.4% of patients were overweight in the 3 years after LTx; most of them were obese (30.0%). Risk factors for weight gain on the third year after LTx were greater BMI before liver disease (p < 0.01); former smoker (p < 0.01); family history of overweight (p = 0.04); being hosewife/unemployed/retired (p = 0.08); alcoholic indication for LTx (p = 0.02). Risk factors for incidence of excessive weight on the third year after LTx were being married (RR: 13.13; CI: 1.33-125.0); being former smoker (RR: 4.68; CI: 1.16-18.85); greater age at LTx (RR: 1.1; CI: 1.02-1.20).
Conclusions: Post-LTx patients experienced weight gain after surgery, mainly during the 1 year after operation and increased progressive incidence up to 3 years, due to different risk factors, some of them can be prevented.