Exercise and Physical Activity Counseling Flashcards

Which of the following is the MOST commonly reported barrier to exercise adherence in bariatric patients following surgery?

Answer: Pain and physical discomfort

Pain and physical discomfort, including musculoskeletal pain from residual excess weight and post-surgical recovery, are the most frequently reported barriers to exercise adherence.

What exercise-related consideration is MOST important for bariatric patients who have lost significant weight and have excess loose skin?

Answer: Preventing skin irritation and rashes through moisture-wicking clothing and proper hygiene

Excess skin after massive weight loss can cause friction, irritation, and skin infections during exercise, requiring moisture-wicking garments and diligent hygiene practices.

For a bariatric patient with previously diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), what exercise-related improvement is typically expected with significant weight loss?

Answer: OSA symptoms and severity often improve or resolve with significant weight loss

Significant weight loss, particularly reductions in neck and upper airway adiposity, commonly leads to marked improvement or even resolution of obstructive sleep apnea.

Which motivational strategy is MOST effective for promoting long-term exercise adherence in bariatric patients?

Answer: Setting intrinsic, values-based goals tied to quality of life improvements

Intrinsic motivation tied to personal values — such as being active with family or reducing daily pain — produces more sustainable exercise habits than extrinsic or weight-focused goals.

What is the recommended minimum weekly physical activity volume for long-term weight maintenance in post-bariatric surgery patients?

Answer: 200-300 minutes per week

For long-term weight maintenance, most bariatric guidelines recommend 200-300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, exceeding the minimum needed for general health.

Which eating-related behavioral concern should a bariatric counselor monitor if a patient begins engaging in compulsive, excessive exercise?

Answer: Exercise used as a compensatory behavior for eating, indicating disordered eating patterns

Compulsive excessive exercise can function as a compensatory behavior linked to eating disorders, and counselors must monitor for disordered food-exercise relationships in bariatric patients.

What is the PRIMARY role of a bariatric counselor with respect to a patient's exercise program?

Answer: Providing motivational support, education, and behavioral strategies to promote sustained exercise adherence

The bariatric counselor's primary role is behavioral and motivational — helping patients identify barriers, set realistic goals, and sustain lifelong exercise habits within their scope of practice.