BARIMOV Promotes Movement Before and After Bariatric Surgery w/ Eduardo Teixeira

Obesity currently represents one of the greatest public health challenges, not only due to the increasing number of people affected, but also because of its impact on quality of life and the development of various health conditions.

Associated with this issue is physical inactivity, a risk factor that is increasingly present in the population and contributes to a decline in physical and functional capacity.

In this context, integrating physical exercise into the management and care of individuals with obesity plays an increasingly vital role.

It is against this backdrop that BARIMOV – Effects of reducing physical inactivity on physical fitness and obesity pathophysiology in women before and after bariatric surgery was created, an initiative that aims to reinforce the importance of physical activity in the therapeutic pathway of patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

The project stems from a need identified by the clinical team at Hospital de São Sebastião (Unidade Local de Saúde de Entre Douro e Vouga), in Santa Maria da Feira, to better prepare patients for the bariatric surgery process.

In this context, it became essential to integrate a physical exercise intervention component that accompanies patients throughout their entire therapeutic journey.

The initiative aims to raise awareness among people with obesity about the importance of maintaining and improving their physical fitness levels, contributing not only to better preparation prior to surgery, but also to more effective outcomes in the post-operative period.

By promoting the reduction of sedentary behavior and the adoption of more active lifestyles, the project seeks to reinforce the role of exercise as an integral part of treatment.

The project is also distinguished by its strong academic connection, involving students from the Master's in Exercise and Health and the Bachelor's in Physical Education and Sports at Universidade Lusófona - Porto University Centre.

For these students, this represents a unique opportunity for direct contact with a clinical setting, where they participate in patient assessments and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team composed of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and nutritionists, applying scientific knowledge in real-life situations.

More than a research project, BARIMOV stands out as a platform for cooperation between science, clinical practice, and academic training.

The project aims to demonstrate that physical exercise can be an essential tool in obesity treatment, helping individuals not only to prepare for surgery, but also to build active, healthy habits for the future.