Researchers from Leicester, along with international experts, are calling for a shift in how people are supported before and after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), highlighting the importance of a more holistic, 24‑hour approach to daily movement behaviours.
Traditionally, people undergoing MBS are encouraged to focus on exercise (moderate‑to‑vigorous physical activity) to improve weight loss and long‑term health outcomes. However, this new international call to action research, led by Dr Louisa Herring, suggests that this approach overlooks other important aspects of daily life, including light‑intensity activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep.
The study published in ‘Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases’ in May 2026 highlights the “24‑hour movement paradigm,” which views physical activity, sedentary time and sleep as interconnected behaviours that together influence long‑term success after surgery.
While this approach is already being applied in areas such as type 2 diabetes, the researchers found that it has rarely been explored in bariatric research or clinical care.
Importantly, the review identified a lack of research examining how these behaviours interact, and found that most existing interventions focus only on increasing exercise. The authors argue that integrating all movement behaviours into clinical care could lead to more personalised and effective interventions for patients.
Dr Louisa Herring, Associate Professor in physical activity and clinical populations at the NIHR BRC Leicester, said: “Our work highlights the need to look beyond exercise alone. By considering how physical activity, sedentary time and sleep interact across the whole day, we have an opportunity to better support people and optimise outcomes following metabolic bariatric surgery.”
This work reflects the NIHR BRC Leicester’s commitment to improving patient care through innovative, data‑informed and person‑centred research.