The interplay between nutrition and sustainable weight loss management post-bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS) represents a critical juncture in BMS. Despite the efficacy of BMS in significant weight reduction and the amelioration of obesity-related associated medical problems, maintaining long-term weight loss remains a substantial challenge for many patients. This challenge is intricately linked to post-surgical dietary habits, nutritional intake, and lifestyle modifications. Emerging research underscores the importance of tailored nutritional interventions in enhancing weight loss outcomes and minimizing nutritional deficiencies, which are common in the postoperative phase. As obesity continues to be a global epidemic with BMS rates rising, there is an imperative need to delve deeper into the nutritional strategies that can support long-term weight management success, ensuring patients not only lose weight but also sustain their health gains over time.

The primary objective of this Research Topic is to explore innovative, evidence-based nutritional strategies to bolster long-term weight loss management for post-BMS patients. This encompasses a multifaceted approach, including identifying optimal dietary patterns, the role of micronutrient supplementation, and integrating behavioral health interventions to support dietary adherence. Furthermore, we aim to investigate the psychological and social determinants of eating behaviors post-surgery, understanding that long-term success hinges
not only on what is eaten but also on individual relationships with food. By fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue, this Research Topic seeks to bring forth novel insights and practical guidelines that healthcare professionals can adopt to support their patients. The ultimate goal is to fill the existing knowledge gaps and pave the way for a holistic, patient-centered approach to nutrition and weight management post-BMS, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

Topics of interest include:
• Nutritional Deficiencies and Supplementation Strategies Post-BMS: Investigating common nutritional deficiencies experienced by post-BMS patients, such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, and evaluating effective supplementation protocols to mitigate these deficiencies.
• The Impact of dietary patterns on long-term weight maintenance: Exploring how different dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean diet, low-carb diet, plant-based diet) influence weight maintenance, metabolic health, and nutritional status after BMS.
• Behavioral and psychological approaches to enhance dietary adherence: Assessing the effectiveness of behavioral interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, improves dietary adherence and promotes long-term weight management.
• Gut microbiota and nutritional health post-surgery: Examining the role of gut microbiota changes following BMS and their implications for nutritional absorption, weight loss outcomes, and potential supplementation strategies to support gut health.
• Personalized nutrition in post-BMS care: Investigating the Potential for personalized nutrition plans based on genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors to enhance long-term weight loss success and nutritional well-being.
• The role of physical activity in conjunction with nutritional strategies: Exploring the synergistic effects of combined dietary management and physical activity programs on weight maintenance and overall health in post-BMS patients.
• Socioeconomic and cultural factors influencing dietary habits post-surgery: Analyzing how socioeconomic status, culture, and food accessibility impact post-BMS patients; dietary habits and weight management strategies.
• Long-term health outcomes of nutritional management strategies: Longitudinal studies assessing the impact of post-surgical nutritional management on obesity-related associated medical problems, mortality, and quality of life.
• Educational interventions for patients and healthcare providers: Developing and assessing the impact of educational programs aimed at patients and healthcare providers to improve knowledge and practices related to nutrition and weight management post-surgery.

Impact

Frontiers in Nutrition

Nutrition and Metabolism

Clinical Nutrition