The role of food and activity environment in a bariatric surgery population: impact on postoperative weight loss.

Abstract

Food and activity factors may have an impact on weight in the general population, but little is known about how this affects postbariatric surgery weight loss. To understand the impact of environmental food and activity factors on weight loss after bariatric surgery. A multidisciplinary integrated health system with an accredited bariatric surgery program. An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of patients who underwent bariatric surgery from 2001-2018 was completed. Food security, food retailers, and activity factors associated with postoperative percentage of total body weight loss (TBWL) at short-term (1-2 yr), medium-term (3-5 yr), and long-term (≥6 yr) follow-up were evaluated. Overall, 1673 patients were included; 90% experienced ≥20% TBWL in the short term and 65% in the long term. No differences in mean TBWL were observed for food deserts or areas with high versus low food insecurity. Mean TBWL was significantly different for low versus high healthy food density (32.5% versus 33.4%, P = .024) and low versus high fitness facility density (32.6% versus 33.4%, P = .048) at short-term follow-up. Increased mean TBWL was observed for counties with more versus less exercise opportunities at short and medium-term follow-up (33.4% versus 32.5%, P = .025; 31.2% versus 29.7%, P = .019). Patients experienced significant TBWL after bariatric surgery. Living in a food desert or area with high food insecurity did not significantly impact mean TBWL. Healthy food density, fitness facility density, and exercise opportunities had a short- to medium-term impact on TBWL. These data can be used to support patients to maximize the benefits of bariatric surgery.