Sedentary behaviors in the context of metabolic and bariatric surgery: a scoping review

To comprehensively map the landscape of existing literature on sedentary behavior (SB) in adults and adolescents who are awaiting, or who have undergone, metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) and identify research gaps.

English or French articles published in peer-reviewed journals were eligible if they met predefined eligibility criteria: Adults or adolescents pre- and/or post-MBS; with or without a non-MBS intervention or comparison group; any self-reported or objectively-assessed SB and/or MBS-related health outcomes; any study design (except case studies). PubMed, CINAHL, PsychNet, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on November 13, 2024 (updated October 31, 2025). Study selection and data extraction were completed independently by two reviewers, with a third acting to resolve conflicts. Included studies were organized into protocols, original research, or review articles and further categorized based on assessment timing (i.e., pre- and/or post-MBS). A network visualization map was used to illustrate collaborations between authors in different countries.

Three protocol papers, 59 original research articles, and 5 reviews were identified as eligible for inclusion. Most original research used observational study designs (83%) that included pre- and post-MBS assessments (51%) and self-reported (36%) and/or objectively-assessed SB (76%). Ten studies included an intervention, however, only two explicitly aimed to reduce SB. Original research was mainly conducted in the United States (51%) or Canada (19%). Key identified research gaps are presented and avenues to bridge the gaps are discussed.

Most research on SB in the context of MBS has focused on how MBS affects SB. Much more work is needed to better understand SB before and after MBS, including using measures beyond sedentary time and incorporating long-term follow ups, to identify its contributing factors and to examine how SB influences health outcomes beyond anthropometric measures. Further, research on interventions specifically designed to reduce SB is essential.