Physical Activity Level, Sedentary Time, and Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery in Patients Without Regular Medical Follow-up: a Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE

The impact of regular exercises or physical activity (PA) on weight of bariatric patients need to be elucidated. We investigated PA levels, sedentary time (ST), and weight regain on these patients who were without regular medical follow-up before recruitment. Moreover, we investigated correlation and concordance between self-reported and objective measures in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and ST.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We invited 132 patients previously subjected to a bariatric procedure to a medical appointment in our unit and proposed them to be volunteers. Ninety patients, aged 42 ± 8 years and BMI 32.9 ± 6.6 kg/m, entered the study and were allocated into groups according to time since surgery < or ≥5 years (G5- or G5+, respectively). They were further assigned into low or high rates of weight regain (RWR; cutoff 20%). PA and ST were measured by International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ) and ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer.

RESULTS

In G5- group, PA and ST were similar between low and high RWR. In G5+ group, MVPA time, number of steps/day, percent of patients somewhat active, and 30-60 min/day of MVPA were statistically higher in those with low RWR. Of note, measures of MVPA < 30 min/day occurred more frequently in those with high RWR. MVPA and ST self-reported vs. objective measures were correlated (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, there was no concordance between these measures (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Low level of PA and longer ST occurred more frequently in those with high RWR and longer time since surgery. Although well-correlated, any concordance between IPAQ and accelerometer measures was noted.