Persistent Chemicals Linked to Weight Regain in Teens Undergoing Bariatric Surgery
Los Angeles, CA – August 15, 2025 – A recent study published by the University of Southern California (USC) has shed new light on a potential factor influencing the long-term success of bariatric surgery in adolescents. The research, published in Today, USC, suggests that teenagers with higher concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood may experience greater weight regain following the procedure.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various consumer and industrial products for decades due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Their persistence in the environment and the human body has raised significant health concerns, and this new research points to a possible connection with weight management outcomes in a vulnerable population.
The study, which examined a cohort of adolescents who had undergone bariatric surgery, found a notable correlation between pre-operative PFAS blood levels and the amount of weight regained in the period following surgery. While bariatric surgery is a powerful tool for significant weight loss and improving obesity-related health conditions in teens, this research indicates that exposure to these ubiquitous chemicals could present an additional challenge to sustained weight management.
The findings are particularly significant given the increasing prevalence of obesity among young people and the growing consideration of bariatric surgery as a treatment option. Understanding all potential factors that might impact the effectiveness of such interventions is crucial for providing the best possible care for adolescent patients.
While the exact mechanisms by which PFAS might influence weight regain are still being investigated, researchers hypothesize several possibilities. PFAS have been implicated in disrupting metabolic processes, influencing appetite regulation, and potentially affecting fat storage and breakdown. Further research is needed to fully elucidate these complex interactions.
The USC study team emphasized that their findings are observational and further investigation is warranted. However, they hope this research will encourage greater awareness of PFAS exposure and its potential health implications. It also underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to adolescent weight management, which may include strategies to minimize exposure to environmental chemicals where possible.
This research serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing scientific understanding of both the impact of environmental chemicals on health and the multifaceted nature of successful weight management in adolescents. The USC team plans to continue their work in this area, aiming to provide more definitive answers and inform future clinical guidelines.
Teens with higher blood levels of ‘forever chemicals’ regain more weight after bariatric surgery
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