Predicting adherence to diet and physical activity recommendations and weight loss after bariatric surgery

Abstract

Background Psychosocial predictors of postoperative weight loss have been much studied with inconsistent findings. Little is known about factors related to adherence to post-surgical diet and physical activity guidelines the patients are recommended to follow to sustain weight loss and avoid weight gain. Within a self-regulatory framework, we aimed to examine the relationship between preoperative psychosocial factors and postoperative behavior besides weight loss. Methods In this prospective cohort-study 246 patients underwent gastric bypass. Weight was measured at the hospital and the patients completed an extensive questionnaire before, and one year after surgery. Results Only age, previous diet attempts and snacking were related to weight loss, while several psychosocial factors were significantly associated with eating behavior and physical activity. Some of the factors positively associated with both physical activity and adherence to diet guidelines were motivation to change behavior, planning and body image, while depression was negatively correlated. Conclusion Our findings suggest that a number of psychosocial factors predicted the behavior necessary for a positive long-term outcome after bariatric surgery. If focusing primarily on weight loss, valuable information might get lost.