Effects of supervised exercise immediately after bariatric surgery: results from the EFIBAR randomized trial
In brief
Post-bariatric exercise program does not boost weight loss, cuts BP six mmHg
2% at 12 mo). 3% reduction in HbA1c at 4 months, but these benefits vanished by one year, and no differences were seen in body composition, inflammation, or fitness.
- Journal
- Obesity surgery (Q1)
- Published
- 5 September 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Elena Martínez-Rosales, Alba Hernández-Martínez, Laura López-Sánchez, María José Torrente-Sánchez, Alba Esteban-Simón, Emilio Villa-González, et al.
- PMID
- 42698042
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11695-026-08915-8
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (top studies of the week, 6 September 2026): Randomized trial of post‑bariatric exercise
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. We evaluated whether a 16-week supervised exercise program initiated immediately post-surgery improves weight loss, body composition, cardiometabolic health, inflammation, and physical fitness compared with usual care. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 80 participants undergoing bariatric surgery were assessed before surgery, 4- and 12-month post-surgery. The intervention consisted of 16 weeks of individually supervised concurrent exercise training initiated ~ 10 days post-surgery, with three 60-min sessions/week including progressive resistance training (50-75% of one-repetition maximum) and aerobic training (65-85% heart rate reserve). Adherence was monitored throughout the intervention. The main outcome was percent of total weight loss (%TWL). RESULTS: No significant differences between groups were observed for the primary outcome. At 4 months, %TWL was 24.9% in the exercise group and 23.4% in the control group; corresponding values at 12 months were 37.0% and 37.2%, respectively. Compared with usual care, the exercise group showed greater reductions in systolic blood pressure (- 6.5 mmHg; 95% CI, - 12.7 to - 0.2; p = 0.040) and glycated hemoglobin (- 0.3%; 95% CI, - 0.5 to - 0.1; p = 0.018) at 4 months. These differences were not maintained at 12 months. No significant between-group differences were observed in body composition, inflammatory markers, or physical fitness outcomes at any timepoint. CONCLUSION: A 16-week supervised concurrent exercise program initiated ~ 10 days after bariatric surgery did not improve weight loss compared with usual care. Although short-term improvements in systolic blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin were observed, these were not sustained at 12 months.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.