Lifestyle Factors Affect Weight Loss Following Bariatric Surgery

Individuals who engage more in physical activity and less in emotional eating following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) experience higher maximum weight loss after surgery, according to a recent study.

Findings were presented at the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) 22nd World Congress, which is taking place August 29 to September 2, 2017, in London.
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Little data exists regarding the influence of behavioral factors on weight loss following RYGB and the relationships between these factors. However, this data is needed to improve post-surgery outcomes.

In order to further assess these potential factors, the researchers evaluated 4762 patients who had underwent RYGB. Patients’ mean preoperative body mass index was 44 kg/m².

The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and the Baecke questionnaire were administered to assess patients’ weight, eating style, and physical activity levels prior to surgery and at 15, 24, 36, and 48 months after surgery. Also calculated were maximum weight loss, weight regain, changes in physical activity, and changes in eating style.

Maximum weight loss was 32.7%. Results indicated that preoperative physical activity levels and eating style did not correlate with maximum weight loss. However, the researchers observed a negative correlation between preoperative physical activity levels and external eating, and a positive correlation between physical activity levels and restrained eating.

The researchers noted that weight regain had been 5.3% at 36 months and 7.2% at 48 months. They also observed that mean weight regain at 36 months correlated negatively with changes in physical activity but did not correlate with changes in physical activity at 48 months. Furthermore, changes in eating style did not correlate with weight regain at 36 months or 48 months.

“Patients who are more physically active and show less emotional, external and restrained eating have a higher maximum weight loss after RYGB,” the researchers concluded. “There was a less weight regain in patients who reported more [physical activity] after RYGB. Eating style does not seem to effect weight regain.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Monpellier V, Janssen I, Atoniou E, Jansen A. Long-term weight change and behaviour: is there a relationship? Paper presented at: IFSO 22nd World Congress; August 29-September 2, 2017; London, UK. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs11695-017-2774-7.pdf. Accessed August 30, 2017.