Bariatric Surgery Increases Alcohol Absorption, Raising Dependence Risk, Study Finds

Patients undergoing bariatric metabolic surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, achieve effective weight loss. However, a recent study indicates that after surgery, alcohol is absorbed much more quickly, making individuals become intoxicated more easily and potentially increasing the risk of alcohol dependence. The research team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) measured alcohol absorption in patients before and after surgery and found a significant increase post‑procedure that may persist long‑term. The findings were published in the International Journal of Obesity.