The Role of Physical Activity in Minimizing Recurrence of Weight Gain Following Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Current Evidence and Suggestions for Advancing Future Research.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Patients who undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are advised to increase physical activity (PA) to help minimize weight recurrence. This report reviews current evidence for this recommendation and offers suggestions for advancing future research.

Recent findings: Most observational studies suggest a link between higher PA and lower weight recurrence, yet they often rely on cross-sectional designs, making it difficult to determine the direction of this relationship. Randomized intervention trials remain limited, and current strategies may not sufficiently address the motivational barriers that hinder patients from sustaining higher PA levels. While some initiatives to address these gaps are in progress, further research should focus on approaches that accurately capture nadir weight to measure weight recurrence, clarify whether PA is more effective at preventing or treating weight recurrence, explore interventions beyond exercise-centric strategies, examine individual differences in response to PA, and include other relevant clinical and patient-centered outcomes.