A research study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research has revealed that the risk of fractures and falls are increased by 30 percent post gastric bypass operations.

Mattias Lorentzon, professor of geriatrics from Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and Chief Physician from the University Hospital said, "Gastric bypass is a well-established method that has proven effective in reducing obesity, diabetes and mortality, so naturally our findings do not mean that you should stop providing these types of operations."

Non-diabetic patients had an increased risk of 32 percent and diabetic patients an increased risk of 26 percent for fractures, with the exception of the lower leg. Comparatively, fractures of the lower legs occurred less frequently post-surgery.

The mechanism behind the connection between gastric bypass operations and fractures is that during gastric bypass, part of the stomach and small intestine are removed. Hence, the food goes directly into the small intestine, which results in a sense of being full. Hence, the person consumes less food which leads to weight loss. The weight loss increases the risk of more fractures since the skeleton becomes weaker.

Kristian Axelsson, the doctoral student from Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and resident physician in orthopedics from Skaraborg Hospital Skövde said, "The fact that the risk of fractures increases and also seems to increase over time means that it will be important to follow patients, evaluate the fracture risk and, when required, institute measures to prevent fractures."