Changes in Physical Activities and Body Composition after Roux-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Abstract

Given the importance of physical activities for health outcomes, it is still unclear whether bariatric surgery per se and the standard care after surgery would result in an increase of physical activity level. This study aimed to determine physical activities preoperatively and at 6 and 12months postoperatively among female patients who underwent bariatric surgery, and to investigate its relationship with body composition changes. Thirty-four women who had Roux-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery completed the study. Physical activity was measured objectively for 7 consecutive days by using an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer. Body composition was estimated by using multifrequency bioimpedance analysis. The percentage of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) changed significantly from preoperatively to 6months postoperatively; however, no difference was observed at 12months. No significant changes were detected for other physical activity variables. Multivariable regression analysis suggested that the percentage of time spent in sedentary activity was associated with fat-free mass loss at 6months (β = - 0.323; 95% CI = - 0.649 to 0.003) and 12months (β = - 0.510; 95% CI = - 0.867 to - 0.154) postoperatively. The overall MVPA increased at 6months post-RYGB surgery; however, this change was not maintained at 12months. Despite the considerable body mass loss postoperatively, most of the subjects were classified as being physically inactive and did not change their sedentary behavior. These findings indicate that female patients undergoing bariatric surgery should be encouraged to increase their physical activity level.