Effects of a supervised exercise training on body composition after bariatric surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine the effects of a multicomponent exercise intervention during the first year post‐bariatric surgery (BS) on body composition, weight loss (WL), energy expenditure, and nutrient intake. Methods A total of 84 patients were included in this study and were randomly assigned to either an exercise group ( n = 41) or a control group ( n = 20). The exercise group participated in a multicomponent exercise program that began 1‐month post‐BS, whereas the control group received only standard medical care post‐BS. Body composition was assessed by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, and physical activity energy expenditure was assessed by accelerometers. Nutritional intake was assessed through a 4‐day food diary. Results A total of 6‐months post‐BS, exercise was found to be effective in mitigating the loss of lower‐limb and appendicular lean mass (LM), as well as favoring trunk fat mass (FM) loss. Moreover, it further decreased percent FM and promoted additional excess WL. After 12 months, exercise not only reduced waist circumference but also helped to lessen the loss of total, trunk, and appendicular LM. Conclusions Exercise further induced trunk fat mass, percent FM, excess WL, and waist circumference reductions. Moreover, exercise attenuated the loss of total and regional LM.