Association Between Dietary Patterns, Weight Loss, and Handgrip Strength Among Qatari Adults with a History of...

Background/Objectives: This study examines cross-sectional associations between dietary patterns, weight loss, and handgrip strength (HGS) among adults with a history of bariatric surgery. Methods: We analyzed data of 1888 adults (62.3% women; mean age 38.8 years) who attended the Qatar Biobank study. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis of data from a food frequency questionnaire. HGS was measured using dynamometry, and relative HGS (RHGS) was calculated as HGS/BMI. Results: The mean weight loss after bariatric surgery was 27.6 kg (23.4%), and the mean HGS was 30.1 (SD 11.2) kg. The mean duration after bariatric surgery was 3.6 years. Greater weight loss was associated with lower HGS (Q4 vs. Q1: -1.29 (95%CI -2.26 to -0.33)) but higher RHGS (Q4 vs. Q1: 0.10 (0.06 to 0.13)). Higher adherence to a "prudent diet" with high intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with stronger HGS (Q4 vs Q1: 1.07 (0.18 to 1.96)). In contrast, a "traditional diet" (high intake of mixed dishes, e.g., biryani, croissants, zaatar fatayer, lasagna, white rice, and Arabic bread) was inversely associated with HGS (Q4 vs. Q1: -1.27 (-2.19 to -0.35)). Conclusions: In conclusion, greater weight loss was associated with improved relative muscle strength, while adherence to a traditional diet was linked to weaker HGS. These findings highlight the importance of diet quality in maintaining muscle function after bariatric surgery.