Physical activity and weight loss following bariatric surgery

Abstract

Physical activity is a cornerstone in the medical management of obesity and could be important for weight loss following bariatric surgery. This review aims to describe the evolution of physical activity following massive weight loss induced by bariatric surgery, and to identify the relationship between physical activity and amount of weight loss. A literature search identified 20 publications (19 studies) reporting physical activity data in relation to bariatric surgery. All studies were observational. Self-assessment of physical activity was used in all the studies. Objective measures (pedometry) were used in two studies. The time frame for physical activity assessment varied: before surgery in two publications, after surgery in nine, and longitudinal pre- to post-operative evolution in nine. The latter nine publications found an increase in physical activity after bariatric surgery. In 10/13 studies where it was described, there was a positive relationship between physical activity level and amount of weight loss. In conclusion, observational evidence of self-reported physical activity suggests that physical activity increases after bariatric surgery and that physical activity is associated with surgically induced weight loss. However, these findings warrant further evaluation using objective measures of physical activity and testing in controlled trials.

Exploring Perceptions of Barriers, Facilitators, and Motivators to Physical Activity Among Female Bariatric Patients

“…In fact, very few individuals successfully maintained weight loss with diet alone . Regular PA has also been positively associated with post-operative weight loss following bariatric surgery, especially among previously inactive patients who begin exercising following surgery (Livhits et al 2010, Jacobi et al 2011. On the other hand, physical inactivity has demonstrated adverse effects on weight loss following gastric bypass surgery (Hatoum et al 2009).…”

Accelerometer-Measured Versus Self-Reported Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behavior in Women Before and 9 Months After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

“…Increasing PA after RYGB may contribute to improvements of surgical outcomes [2], and maintaining sufficient levels of PA play an important role in body weight regulation after RYGB and other types of bariatric surgery [3]. Although substantial long-term weight loss is achieved following RYGB [4], obtaining sufficient PA levels, according to the WHO recommendations [5] after surgery are as important as the weight loss itself for long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality [6].…”

Practical Recommendations of the Obesity Management Task Force of the European Association for the Study of Obesity for the Post-Bariatric Surgery Medical Management

“…A positive relationship between physical activity levels and the amount of weight loss after bariatric surgery has been observed in several studies [8], and regular physical activity is considered a critical factor for weight maintenance. Regular physical activity should therefore be encouraged after bariatric surgery, starting immediately after the recovery from surgery.…”