Statistical and Machine Learning Modeling of Psychological, Sociodemographic, and Physical Activity Factors...

This study aimed to investigate the associations between weight regain and psychological, sociodemographic, and physical activity factors in post-bariatric surgery patients using statistical modeling.

A cross-sectional, single-center quantitative study was conducted in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) and Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) guidelines. A total of 124 patients who underwent bariatric surgery at least 18 months prior were included. Psychological variables were assessed using validated instruments.

In the adjusted Poisson regression model, the most significant predictors of weight regain were binge eating severity (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.75-3.26; p < 0.001), stress levels (PR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.45-2.79; p = 0.002), negative affectivity (PR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.29-2.24; p = 0.004), and physical inactivity (PR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.21-2.41; p = 0.005). In contrast, anxiety (PR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.87-1.63; p = 0.214) and psychoticism (PR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.83-1.57; p = 0.278) showed no statistically significant associations.

The results highlight the importance of binge eating severity, stress, negative affectivity, and physical inactivity as major contributors to weight regain after bariatric surgery.