Practice of physical activity in patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether patients undergoing bariatric surgery were physically active before and after the surgical procedure, in addition to identifying factors associated with physical inactivity. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted with 307 adults undergoing bariatric surgery between 2012 and 2014 in a general hospital in Minas Gerais. Practicing physical activity (>150 minutes/week) before and after the surgical procedure was considered as the outcome variable of this study. The magnitude of the association between the dependent variable and the factors of interest was estimated by the odds ratios using the longitudinal logistic model. Results: After the bariatric surgery, there was an increase in physical activity. In the multivariate analysis, self-reported Asian or indigenous skin color, body mass index and bad or very bad perception of the health status were associated with PA. Conclusion: The practice of physical activity must be encouraged, as it favors change in habits, encompassing the physical, psychological and social spheres.