More people are choosing bariatric surgery in an effort to control obesity and reduce the chances of developing serious disorders including diabetes and certain types of cancers. While the procedure primarily decreases the amount of food intake, it also has another impact: it alters the patient's taste.
A recent study conducted by California's Stanford University School of Medicine researchers, suggests that patients who undergo bariatric surgery often report a change in sensitivity to food, even aversion, as early as 3 months after the procedure.
The article reports that two groups participated in the research. More than 30 people of normal weight made up the first group while no less than 55 patients scheduled for the surgery belonged to the second one. The researchers then provided the participants with paper strips, each with a specific flavor they had to properly identify.
Prior to the surgery, obese patients reported less sensitivity to taste. This may occur when the taste buds become overexposed to different flavors, resulting in a burnout. Thus, obese people feel flavors are less intense and compensate for it by eating more to derive satisfaction.
After the surgery, the researchers conducted a repeat test three times on the obese patients, first, after 3 months, then 6, and finally a year after the procedure.
Upon analysis, they discovered that more than 85% of these patients reported a significant change in how they perceive taste of food. Meanwhile, over 40% said they stopped liking or ate less of certain types of food because they no longer appreciated the taste. Those who underwent the surgery also experienced an increased dislike on salty food.
