Structured Exercise Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Improves Long-Term Glucose Control

Weight regain after bariatric surgery is linked to an increased risk of recurrence of obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A recent prospective cohort study evaluated the effect of postoperative exercise on glucose regulation and excess body weight loss percentage (%EBWL) in female patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

The study included females with non–insulin-dependent T2DM who underwent LSG between 2014 and 2015. Participants were evaluated at 1 and 4 years postoperatively. Data collected included fasting glucose, body mass index (BMI), and exercise duration. Adequate physical activity was defined as more than 150 minutes per week, with participants divided into low-activity (control) and adequate-activity (exercise) groups. The primary outcomes were %EBWL and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.

Among 246 participants (mean age: 46.9 ± 8.1 years), higher exercise intensity correlated significantly with greater %EBWL, lower fasting glucose, and improved HbA1c values. The adequate-activity group achieved superior outcomes in weight reduction and glycemic control. A predictive model was developed to estimate %EBWL at 48 months based on exercise levels (R² = 0.86).

The findings underscore the vital role of structured postoperative exercise in sustaining weight loss and optimizing glucose metabolism after LSG. Regular physical activity should be an integral component of long-term postoperative management to enhance metabolic outcomes.

Source: 

Norooz MT, Safavi-Naini SAA, Jamshidi P, et al. Impact of postoperative exercise on long-term weight loss and glucose control after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Health Sci Rep. 2025;8(2):e70431.