Changes in Physical Activity in Relation to Body Composition, Fitness and Quality of Life after Primary Bariatric Surgery: a Two-Year Follow-Up Study

Purpose The success of bariatric surgery varies largely, which may relate to variance in adopting a physically active lifestyle. This study aimed to determine whether two-year changes in physical activity (PA) were associated with weight loss, fat-free mass, cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life up to two years after bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 3879 post-bariatric patients were divided into three groups: 1) decreased PA (n = 388), 2) maintained PA (n = 2002) or 3) increased PA (n = 1498). Measurements regarding PA (Baecke questionnaire), body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis), estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (angstrom strand test) and health-related quality of life (RAND-36) were performed preoperatively and two years post-surgery. Results Bariatric patients with increased PA had greater excess weight loss (76.3% vs. 73.2% vs. 72.9%, P < 0.001), greater increases in %fat-free mass (Delta 14.0% vs. 13.0% vs. 12.8%; P < 0.001), larger improvements in VO(2)max (Delta 11.8 vs. 10.2 vs. 8.0 ml/kg/min, P < 0.001), and larger increases in health related quality of life subscale scores (P < 0.05) compared to patients with maintained- and decreased PA. Conclusions Bariatric patients who managed to induce improvements in habitual physical activity had better body composition, fitness and quality of life at 2 years post-surgery, compared to patients who maintained or even reduced their PA levels. These findings underscore the importance of perioperative-bariatric care programs to change lifestyle and achieve sustainable improvements in PA levels.

Automated summary

This study found that bariatric patients who successfully improved their physical activity had better body composition, fitness, and quality of life at 2 years post-surgery. This highlights the importance of perioperative bariatric care programs in changing lifestyle and achieving sustainable improvements in physical activity levels.