Author(s): ELENA MARTÍNEZ-ROSALES, MARTÍNEZ-ROSALES, E., LÓPEZ-SÁNCHEZ, L., HERNÁNDEZ-MARTÍNEZ, A., FERRER-MÁRQUEZ, M., VILLA-GONZÁLEZ, E., BARRANCO-RUIZ, Y., MARTÍNEZ-FORTE, S., GÓMEZ-NAVARRO, C., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF ALMERIA: UNIVERSIDAD DE ALMERIA, Country: SPAIN, Abstract-ID: 2498

INTRODUCTION:
Obesity is linked to various health issues, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Bariatric surgery has been proposed as an effective weight reduction method. This study aimed to determine the impact of a 16-week concurrent exercise program on body composition, fitness, cardiometabolic, and metabolomic profile in participants undergoing bariatric surgery.
METHODS:
Eighty individuals with severe obesity (body mass index ≥35 kg/m2) were randomized to an exercise group (n=40) or a control group (n=40) following bariatric surgery. Baseline, week 16-and 12-months post-surgery assessments included measurements of body composition (i.e., fat-free mass) using a bioimpedance device (Inbody 270). Cardiometabolic parameters, such as glucose and lipid metabolism (i.e., insulin, triglycerides...), inflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNF- α), and liver function (i.e., glomerular filtration rate), were obtained through blood serum. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to assess metabolite concentrations. Health-related fitness parameters, including cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), handgrip strength, 30-second chair stand, and back-scratch tests, were also measured at the specified time points. The exercise program consisted of 48 sessions (three times per week over 16 weeks) of 60-min sessions that include (1) warm up at 50–65% of HR reserve (HRR), (2) compensatory training (i.e., core stability and stabilizer muscle exercises), (3) strength training (whole-body exercises progressing from 1 to 3 sets, from 12 to 6 repetitions per set, from 24 to 10 repetitions maximum (RM) (≈50 to 75% of 1RM), (4) aerobic training (on a treadmill, progressing from 15 to 25 min, from 65 to 85% of HRR), and (5) cool down. Analyses were conducted using a per-protocol approach, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05, and R software (v. 4.2).
RESULTS:
Both groups improved body composition and fitness parameters at week 16 and 12 months. However, no significant between-group differences were observed. Related to liver function, the variable glomerular filtration rate (mL/min) showed a significant between-group difference at 12 months (-4.7 mL/min, (95% Confidence Interval [CI]) 95%CI [-8.7 to -0.7], p < 0.05) but not at 16 weeks. We observed that 38% of the metabolites exhibited a significant reduction, but non-significant group or group x time interactions were reported. Results were consistent across sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION:
Our study provides insights into the impact of a 16-week concurrent exercise program on individuals undergoing bariatric surgery for severe obesity. However, the complex interplay of exercise, surgery, and metabolic responses warrants ongoing investigation for a more comprehensive understanding and optimization of health outcomes in individuals with severe obesity.