The project supports women before and after bariatric surgery by integrating physical exercise into the therapeutic process to help tackle obesity
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Obesity is currently one of the greatest public health challenges, not only because of the growing number of people affected, but also due to its impact on quality of life and its association with a wide range of diseases.
Closely linked to this issue is sedentary behaviour, an increasingly common risk factor that contributes to reduced physical and functional capacity.
In this context, integrating physical exercise into the care pathway of people living with obesity is becoming increasingly important.
This is the setting in which BARIMOV – Effects of Reducing Sedentary Behaviour on Physical Fitness and the Pathophysiology of Obesity in Women Before and After Bariatric Surgery was created. The initiative aims to reinforce the importance of physical activity throughout the therapeutic journey of people undergoing bariatric surgery.
The project emerged from a need identified by the clinical team at Hospital de São Sebastião (Entre Douro e Vouga Local Health Unit), in Santa Maria da Feira, to better prepare patients for bariatric surgery.
Within this framework, it became essential to incorporate a structured physical exercise intervention to support patients throughout their treatment pathway.
The initiative seeks to raise awareness among people living with obesity about the importance of maintaining and improving physical fitness, contributing not only to better preparation before surgery but also to more effective post-operative outcomes.
By promoting reduced sedentary behaviour and encouraging more active lifestyles, the project reinforces the role of physical exercise as an integral part of obesity treatment.
The project also stands out for its strong academic component, involving students from the Master's in Exercise and Health and the Bachelor's in Physical Education and Sport at Lusófona University - Porto University Centre.
For these students, it provides a unique opportunity to gain direct experience in a clinical environment, participating in patient assessments and working alongside a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and nutritionists while applying scientific knowledge to real-life situations.
More than a research project, BARIMOV serves as a collaborative platform bringing together science, clinical practice and academic training.
The project aims to demonstrate that physical exercise can be an essential tool in the treatment of obesity, helping patients not only prepare for surgery but also develop healthier, more active habits for the future.
Text
Bruna Pereira
Susana A. Oliveira
Images
Gabriel Motta
Paulo Renato
Production / Reporting
Susana A. Oliveira
Editing
Lara Sousa
