Bariatric Surgery Associated with Practice of Moderate to Intense Physical Activity Related to Weight Loss, Activity Level in Daily Life, Dyspnea, and Quality of Life of Sedentary Individuals with Morbid Obesity: a Prospective Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the association of moderate-to-intense physical activity with the effects of bariatric surgery on weight loss, level of activities of daily living, dyspnea, and quality of life in sedentary individuals with grade II and III obesity.

Method: Seventy-eight candidates for bariatric surgery were evaluated for anthropometry, dyspnea, quality of life, level of activities of daily living, and physical activity. After surgery, all patients were instructed to perform moderate-to-intense physical activity. All 78 patients were reassessed 6 months after bariatric surgery, and 52 patients were reassessed 3 years after bariatric surgery.

Results: Adherence to physical activity during the postoperative period was 36% at 6 months and 38% at 3 years. Compared with the patients who did not adhere to physical activity, weight loss was higher in the adherent patients at 6 months (29 ± 4% vs. 26 ± 5%; p = 0.01) and 3 years (32 ± 8% vs. 26 ± 6%, p = 0.005). The level of activities of daily living and quality of life also improved in the patients that adhered to physical activity at both 6 months and 3 years after bariatric surgery. However, no difference in dyspnea was observed between the adherent and non-adherent patients. Adherence to physical activity was an independent factor for postoperative weight loss.

Conclusion: Moderate-to-intense physical activity after bariatric surgery increases weight loss, quality of life, and level of activities of daily living, but does not directly influence dyspnea in individuals with morbid obesity.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Dyspnea; Obesity; Perioperative care; Physical activity.