Formation Mechanisms, Interrelationships, and Effects of Cognitive Factors on Diet and Physical Activity During the Post-Bariatric Surgery Period: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Compensatory Carry-Over Action Model.

Background: Diet and physical activity (PA) are pivotal behaviors for managing energy balance post-bariatric surgery. Given the need for dual behavioral management, understanding the interplay of cognitive factors influencing these behaviors is crucial. This study applied the compensatory carry-over action model (CCAM) to explore the impact of cognitive factors on behaviors and their subsequent effects on subjective health outcomes.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients at the third month after bariatric surgery in China. Data on diet and PA status, behavioral cognitive factors (intention, self-efficacy, compensatory belief, transfer cognition), and subjective health outcomes (perceived stress, well-being, quality of life) were collected. Structural equation model (SEM) was employed to test hypotheses in CCAM and assess mediation relationships.

Results: Analysis of data from 239 patients revealed the following: (1) Among antecedent cognitive factors, only compensatory belief significantly influenced diet (<0.001). (2) Intention and self-efficacy directly correlated with their respective behaviors, while compensatory belief affected intention, and transfer cognition impacted self-efficacy (<0.05), aligning with CCAM hypotheses. (3) PA demonstrated significant influence only on perceived stress (=0.004), whereas diet significantly affected all subjective health outcomes (<0.05). (4) Mediation analysis indicated intention partially mediated the relationship between compensatory belief and diet and fully mediated the relationship between compensatory belief and PA. Self-efficacy completely mediated the relationship between transfer cognition and diet and PA.

Conclusion: Transfer cognition's carry-over effect did not directly influence behaviors among antecedent cognitions. Interventions should primarily target improving diet by mitigating compensatory belief. Moreover, diet exhibited a more pronounced impact on overall health compared to PA. Consequently, prioritizing dietary intervention over PA intervention is warranted based on the analysis of CCAM and the aim of promoting joint behaviors post-bariatric surgery.