Nutrients, Vol. 17, Pages 3080: Long-Term Weight Regain Following Bariatric Surgery: The Role of Diet and Eating Behaviors in Saudi Arabia
Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu17193080
Authors:
Nora A. Althumiri
Nasser F. Bindhim
Abrar Turki
Saja A. Al-Rayes
Arwa Alumran
Background: While many factors contribute to weight regain after bariatric surgery, the role of dietary intake and behaviors remains underexplored in specific populations. This study aims to explore the long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the impact of dietary intake and eating behaviors on weight regain. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using phone interviews to assess the dietary patterns and eating behaviors of 335 participants who underwent bariatric surgery at least three years prior. Data were collected through a structured validated questionnaire covering food consumption and eating habits. Results: Of the 335 participants who completed the survey, 81.8% experienced weight regain, defined as a ≥20% increase from their nadir weight, after bariatric surgery. Several dietary behaviors were associated with weight regain. Higher consumption of pastries (OR = 0.382, p = 0.014), sweets (OR = 0.498, p = 0.036), and moderate bread intake (OR = 0.287, p = 0.038) were associated with lower odds of obesity. Additionally, frequent consumption of traditional dishes such as kabsah (OR = 0.411, p = 0.008) was associated with lower odds of obesity. Conclusions: This study highlights the complexity of dietary patterns in post-bariatric surgery weight management. Although certain foods, such as pastries, sweets, and kabsah, were associated with lower odds of obesity in this sample, the cross-sectional design prevents causal interpretation. These findings should therefore be viewed as exploratory signals, emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation and reinforcing the call for longitudinal, representative studies to clarify the long-term determinants of weight regain and to guide clinical follow-up strategies.
Background: While many factors contribute to weight regain after bariatric surgery, the role of dietary intake and behaviors remains underexplored in specific populations. This study aims to explore the long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the impact of dietary intake and eating behaviors on weight regain. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using phone interviews to assess the dietary patterns and eating behaviors of 335 participants who underwent bariatric surgery at least three years prior. Data were collected through a structured validated questionnaire covering food consumption and eating habits. Results: Of the 335 participants who completed the survey, 81.8% experienced weight regain, defined as a ≥20% increase from their nadir weight, after bariatric surgery. Several dietary behaviors were associated with weight regain. Higher consumption of pastries (OR = 0.382, p = 0.014), sweets (OR = 0.498, p = 0.036), and moderate bread intake (OR = 0.287, p = 0.038) were associated with lower odds of obesity. Additionally, frequent consumption of traditional dishes such as kabsah (OR = 0.411, p = 0.008) was associated with lower odds of obesity. Conclusions: This study highlights the complexity of dietary patterns in post-bariatric surgery weight management. Although certain foods, such as pastries, sweets, and kabsah, were associated with lower odds of obesity in this sample, the cross-sectional design prevents causal interpretation. These findings should therefore be viewed as exploratory signals, emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation and reinforcing the call for longitudinal, representative studies to clarify the long-term determinants of weight regain and to guide clinical follow-up strategies. Read More