Obesity Management of Liver Transplant Waitlist Candidates and Recipients

Abstract

Obesity is increasing in prevalence in liver transplant candidates and recipients. The rise in liver transplantation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis reflects this increase. Management of obesity in liver transplant candidates can be challenging due to the presence of decompensated cirrhosis and sarcopenia. Obesity may increase peritransplant morbidity but does not have an impact on long-term post-transplant survival. Bariatric surgery may be a feasible option in select patients before, during, or after liver transplantation. Use of weight loss drugs and/or endoscopic therapies for obesity management ultimately may play a role in liver transplant patients, but more research is needed to determine safety.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Liver transplantation; NAFLD; Obesity.