DOC News December 1, 2006
Volume 3 Number 12 p. 12
© 2006 American Diabetes Association
Exercise Boosts Mood After Bariatric Surgery
Bruce Goldfarb
People who engage in moderate physical activity in the months after
bariatric surgery report fewer mental health issues than those who exercise
less, according to research reported at the Annual Scientific Meeting of
NAASO, The Obesity Society, held October 20–24 in
Boston.1
Kathryn E. Henderson, PhD, and colleagues at the Rudd Center for Food
Policy and Obesity at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., conducted a study
of 134 patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery. The patients—140
females and 14 males—were extremely obese, with an average body mass
index (BMI) of 51.7.
The participants completed a battery of self-reported measures before
surgery, and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. The evaluations sought detailed
information about physical activity, depression, self-image, and a range of
mental and physical health issues.
Responses were divided into three groups: No exercise, physical activity
one to three times per week, and physical activity four or more times per
week.
In general, patients with lower BMI tended to exercise more. While exercise
levels rose overall postoperatively, <50% of participants reported moderate
physical activity at 6 and 12 months.
According to the researchers, the most physically active group of patients
reported the lowest psychosocial stress. Those who engaged in moderate
physical activity at least four times per week reported superior physical and
mental health, had fewer depressive symptoms, and reported higher self-esteem
than nonexercisers. 
References
1. Henderson K, Rosenberger P, White M, et al.: Exercise and weight
loss in bariatric surgery patients (Abstract). Obesity 14: A72, 2006.
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