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.