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Article

Assessment of Dietary Protein Sources Among Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients in Saudi Arabia

by
Mashael T. Kharnoub
1,
Randah M. Alqurashi
1,*,
Samar M. Abdalla
2 and
Sultan Al Temyatt
3
1
Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
2
Department of Agribusiness and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
3
Consultant Minimal Invasive & Robotic Bariatric Surgery Badana Clinic, Mouwasat Hospital Dammam, Dammam 32263, Saudi Arabia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Obesities 2025, 5(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities5040094
Submission received: 27 September 2025 / Revised: 2 December 2025 / Accepted: 11 December 2025 / Published: 16 December 2025
Versions Notes

Abstract

Obesity is a significant global health challenge, with prevalence rising steadily worldwide. Effective management often involves bariatric surgery, such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG), which has proven effective in reducing weight and improving comorbid conditions. This study aimed to evaluate nutritional status and protein source awareness and its impact on muscle mass among patients post SG surgery in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 98 adults (aged 18–51 years) who underwent SG at the Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (Badana Clinic)/Mouwasat Hospital in Dammam from December 2023 to February 2024. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire that covered demographics, dietary habits, physical activity, protein knowledge (from food and supplements), and a 24 h dietary recall. Body composition, including muscle mass, was assessed using the InBody270 Body Composition Analyzer. The results revealed that participants exhibited a high level of awareness regarding the importance of protein sources. However, muscle mass decreased by an average of 4.11 kg after surgery. This decline was attributed to insufficient protein intake, which ranged between 30 and 60 g per day, below recommended levels. Taste aversion and dietary limitations post-surgery contributed to this inadequate protein consumption. In conclusion, while participants understood the significance of protein for muscle maintenance, practical challenges in achieving adequate protein sources led to muscle mass loss. These findings underscore the importance of tailored nutritional strategies and education to optimize recovery and long-term health outcomes for SG surgery patients.

1. Introduction

Obesity is a complex chronic disease influenced by multiple biological, environmental, and behavioral factors [1]. The World Health Organization defines obesity as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat that may impair health [2]. This condition stems from a sustained positive energy balance and results in weight gain. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of several comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea [3]. Another study defines obesity as a chronic, multifactorial disease that threatens every system within the human body, often accompanied by chronic metabolic disorders or related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, brain disorders, and cancer [4]. These conditions negatively impact both physical and mental health and are not easily remedied [5].
A person is classified as obese based on their body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing their weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), BMI classifications are as follows: 18.5–24.9 for normal weight, 25–29.9 for overweight, and 30 or higher for obesity, which is further categorized into three levels [6,7]. A BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher is associated with increased mortality and chronic diseases [8]. However, BMI is not a perfect measure of ideal weight in populations with varying muscle and fat mass compositions. Additional factors, such as increased muscle mass in men and higher fat levels in women, should be considered [9]. Obesity also affects muscle quality, as the strength of each unit of muscle mass declines despite increased body weight. This effect is particularly pronounced in older adults, often manifesting as sarcopenic obesity in clinical settings [10]. Although BMI is a practical population-level screening index, it does not differentiate fat from lean mass nor capture adipose distribution. Accordingly, contemporary guidance recommends incorporating central adiposity measures—including waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio—to improve risk stratification beyond BMI alone [3,4]. Recent statements (e.g., the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery review of BMI) and consensus work on the definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity further delineate when and how these indices should be applied in clinical and research settings [11,12].
Globally, obesity has become a health epidemic, with projections indicating rising rates in the coming years, including in Saudi Arabia [13]. The increase in obesity rates worldwide will lead to higher healthcare costs, as critical cases and death rates are expected to rise [14].
Addressing obesity is crucial at all levels of health, and international guidelines recommend diagnosing and managing associated diseases through collaboration with a specialized medical team to ensure effective treatment and education [15]. Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia aims to reduce obesity rates, promote healthy lifestyles, and address chronic diseases to foster a healthy society [16]. Obesity has imposed significant economic burdens on Saudi Arabia, accounting for 2.4% of the GDP, with projections suggesting this could rise to 4.1% by 2060 [17]. The country’s vision includes policies aimed at improving public health, such as taxes on sugary drinks and regulations mandating nutritional labeling [8].
Non-surgical interventions for obesity include calorie-controlled diets, lifestyle changes, and increased physical activity, which can help reduce weight [18]. However, surgical options, particularly Bariatric surgery, have become increasingly common [19]. The SG surgery, first performed in 1999, is one of the most popular procedures [3]. This laparoscopic procedure is considered safe but may require long-term follow-up and specialized nutritional plans for optimal recovery [20]. Post-surgery, patients receive dietary recommendations to prevent muscle mass loss during weight loss, including adequate protein intake [21]. Current guidelines suggest consuming 1.2 g of protein per kilogram of ideal body weight, which equals 60–80 g per day [22], though other studies recommend up to 1.1 g/kg [23]. These recommendations play a crucial role in preventing muscle mass depletion during the weight loss phase; however, individual requirements may vary based on each patient’s condition. Following bariatric surgery, patients often struggle to meet their nutritional needs due to absorption challenges, reduced stomach capacity, and dietary restrictions [24]. These factors can lead to complications such as nausea, frequent vomiting, and indigestion. Insufficient intake of protein-rich foods or supplements may hinder recovery and long-term progress, highlighting the necessity of regular exercise [25]. After SG, nutritional management typically follows a staged progression from liquids to pureed/soft foods and then regular textures as patients recover. Evidence-based recommendations prioritize protein (~60–80 g/day or ~1.0–1.5 g/kg ideal body weight), routine micronutrient supplementation (multivitamin/mineral, vitamin B12, iron, calcium citrate plus vitamin D; thiamine when indicated), adequate hydration with fluids separated from meals, and laboratory surveillance at 3, 6, and 12 months, then yearly [26]. This framework underpins our evaluation of post-SG dietary adequacy and protein intake awareness across early and late phases of follow-up. Irregular protein consumption, regardless of its source, increases the risk of muscle mass loss. Additionally, patients who revert to high-carbohydrate, high-fat diets post-surgery may fail to achieve optimal outcomes, including fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass [27].
This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status and protein sources awareness of post SG surgery patients in Saudi Arabia and explore their impact on muscle mass preservation. Given the dietary challenges associated with bariatric surgery, such as absorption issues, reduced stomach capacity, and food limitations, ensuring sufficient protein intake is essential for maintaining muscle mass and promoting overall health.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Design and Participants

This study utilized the convenience sample to collect data between January and April 2024 Via an electronic questionnaire targeting adults aged 18–51 years. A total of 98 participants were randomly selected from 130 individuals who underwent SG surgery at the Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (Badana Clinic)/Mouwasat Hospital in Dammam from December 2023 to February 2024. Therefore, the sample represented about 75% of the patients who underwent SG. All patients who underwent SG surgery at the Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (Badana Clinic) were provided with nutritional follow-up and educational programs to help them with dietary modifications and meal progression needed after surgery. All patients recognized that surgery is an effective method for weight loss since it restricts food intake and promotes weight reduction. This is merely the initial step towards significant lifestyle modification. Patients must implement a suitable healthy diet and exercise regimen. A healthy diet should focus on selecting nutritious meals and adopting appropriate eating habits to achieve optimal success and facilitate safe weight loss.
To ensure anonymity, patient information was blinded in the collected reports. This study adhered to ethical research standards and was approved by the Ethics Committee of King Faisal University (KFU-REC-ETHICS1646) on 8 November 2023. This study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki [28]. Informed consent was obtained from all participants after they were provided with study information and given the opportunity to ask questions. Participants were also informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without repercussions. The inclusion criteria were obese patients who had had SG surgery during 2023 and were aged between 18 and 51 years old. Participants who did not meet these criteria or did not complete the questionnaire were excluded.

2.2. Questionnaire

A structured electronic questionnaire was developed in English and Arabic. It was self-administered and designed specifically for this study to evaluate protein sources, awareness, and related outcomes in post-SG patients. The questionnaire was validated by experts in nutrition and bariatric surgery for clarity and relevance before distribution. The questionnaire comprised four main sections:

2.2.1. Demographic and Socioeconomics Information

This section included gender, nationality, age, height, pre-surgery weight, weight loss progress at 1–3 months post-surgery, marital status, number of children, living arrangements, education level, employment status, monthly income, and method of surgery payment.

2.2.2. Dietary Habits and Physical Activity Behaviors

This section explores the eating habits (number of meals, most important meal, social eating behaviors, meal preparation sources, and restaurant meal frequency), barriers to food preparation, difficulties in consuming protein-rich meals, and physical activity behaviors (frequency, duration, and type), as well as the number of cups of water drank each day.

2.2.3. Knowledge and Behaviors Related to Protein Sources

This section consisted of 24 questions which seek to assess knowledge and behavior related to protein. Questions addressed pre- and post-operative supplement use, obstacles to protein supplement intake, duration of supplement use after the surgery, knowledge of protein requirements, knowledge regarding supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and protein, methods of calculating protein intake, reading nutrition labels, awareness of protein sources in food, main source of protein intake, amount of daily protein intake, and beliefs about the role of protein in muscle mass, energy, and weight loss.

2.2.4. 24-h Food Recall

A 24 h dietary recall was administered to participants to identify the sources of dietary protein. Participants were asked to record all foods and beverages consumed during the previous 24 h, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, to identify the main sources of protein intake in their diet.

2.3. InBody 270 Body Composition Analyzer

The InBody Co, Ltd (InBody 270/270S; Seoul, Republic of Korea) is a portable body composition analyzer that uses multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to give accurate measurements of how much muscle, fat, and water are in the body. Fitness centers, clinics, and wellness programs often use it to check on people’s physical health and see how they are doing over time, especially after bariatric surgery. The InBody 270 is used to measure Body Fat Mass (BFM) and Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM). The InBody 270 can quickly and easily examine a person’s body and give them accurate segmental muscle analysis.

2.4. Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 23. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the study variables. The paired samples T-Test was performed to determine significant differences in body weight, muscle mass, and fat mass before and after sleeve gastrectomy. The Chi-Square Test (χ2) was applied to determine statistical differences between dietary behaviors and nutritional awareness related to protein intake among the participants in the study. Spearman correlation was used to measure the relationship between nutritional awareness of protein consumption behaviors, as well as the relationship between protein intake behaviors and muscle mass loss after SG. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in all analyses.

3. Results

3.1. Characteristics of the Study Participants

The total number of participants in this study was 98. The study sample comprised 60.2% females and 39.8% males, with an age range of 18 to 51 years. Married participants represented the majority at 67.3%, followed by single participants (26.5%). Most participants (91.8%) were of Saudi nationality, with only 8.2% being non-Saudi. The education level varied, with 39.8% holding a bachelor’s degree, followed by high school diploma holders (25.5%), intermediate education (20.4%), and master’s degree holders (7.1%). Employment status distribution showed that 43.9% were employed, 31.6% were business owners, and 14.3% were unemployed. In terms of income levels, 43.9% of participants earned between SAR 3500 and 5000, followed by those earning SAR 5500–7500 (31.6%), SAR 8000–10,000 (14.3%), and more than SAR 10,000 (10.2%). Regarding health coverage, 87.8% of participants reported having insurance, while 12.2% relied on cash payments for health services (Table 1).

3.2. Changes in Body Weight, Muscle Mass, and Fat Percentage Before and After SG Surgery

Significant changes in body weight, muscle mass, and fat percentage were observed through paired samples statistics (t-test). A significant reduction in muscle mass (p = 0.000) was noted after SG surgery. Muscle mass decreased from an average of 32.58 kg to 28.50 kg reflecting a mean reduction of 4.11 kg. Body weight also showed a significant reduction from 116.22 kg to 94.21 kg (p = 0.0001), with a mean reduction of 22.01 kg (SD = 12.75). Similarly, fat mass percentage significantly decreased from 50.09% to 44.82% (p = 0.0001), with a mean reduction of 5.26% (Table 2).

3.3. Dietary Behaviors and Nutritional Awareness Related to Protein Intake

This study revealed that 30.6% of participants were consuming dietary supplements and vitamins. There was a notable increase in protein supplement consumption post-sleeve gastrectomy, with 70.4% reporting regular use, 22.4% reporting occasional use, and 7.1% not using supplements at all. Taste aversion was the most commonly reported barrier to protein supplement intake (52%), followed by cost (20.4%). When assessing the duration of protein supplement use, 44.9% reported consuming supplements for three months, followed by two months (24.5%). Awareness regarding daily protein requirements was high among participants (60.2%), though 66.3% did not actively calculate their protein intake. Among those who estimated their protein needs, 32.7% used hand size approximation, while 12.2% used a food scale. Regarding protein sources, the majority (91.8%) relied on food as their primary source, while 8.2% depended on supplements. Animal-based proteins were predominantly consumed (94.9%), with plant-based sources contributing to only 5.1% of the diet. In terms of daily protein intake, 42.9% reported consuming between 30 and 60 g per day, followed by 14.3% consuming 90 g daily. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for all variables related to dietary behaviors and protein intake (Table 3).

3.4. Nutritional Awareness Related to Protein Intake

Nutritional awareness among participants was high, particularly regarding the role of dietary supplements in muscle maintenance, with 59.2% strongly agreeing with their importance. Additionally, 66.3% strongly agreed that protein serves as a primary energy source for muscle function. Awareness regarding daily protein requirements was also high, with 69.4% recognizing that at least 15% of daily caloric intake should come from protein sources.
The study found a significant association between awareness of protein needs and the ability to interpret nutritional labels (p = 0.04). However, despite high awareness levels, no significant association was found between knowledge of protein requirements and actual calculation of protein intake. Furthermore, 92.9% of participants correctly identified food as the primary source of protein; 68.4% considered 60 g of protein sufficient for daily requirements, while the remaining 31.6% considered it inadequate (p = 0.0001) (Table 4).

3.5. Correlation Between Nutritional Awareness of Protein Intake and Protein Consumption

The relationship between nutritional awareness of protein intake and protein consumption behaviors was analyzed using spearman (R2) correlation. The results showed a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.004) between consuming protein supplements after gastric sleeve surgery and awareness of calculating protein needs from food and dietary supplements (Table 5).

3.6. Relationship Between Protein Intake Behaviors and Muscle Mass Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy

The relationship between protein intake behaviors and muscle mass loss after SG was analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The results indicated that difficulties in consuming dietary supplements significantly affected muscle mass loss (p = 0.027). Additionally, the method used to calculate protein intake in food negatively contributed to muscle mass loss at a statistically significant level (p = 0.05). More than half of the participants calculated their protein intake using the “approximate palm-sized” method, which may lack accuracy for maintaining muscle mass during weight loss (Table 6).

3.7. Types of Protein Sources

The participants specified the protein sources consumed in the preceding 24 h at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The results indicated that participants consumed a variety of protein sources, highlighting the significant impact of protein sources in dietary intake following SG surgery (Table 7). The findings indicated that eggs are significant protein sources (20.9%), followed by chicken (19.3%) and cheese (14.1%). Participants consumed milk, leben, and yogurt at rates of 9.2%, 3.2%, and 6.4%, respectively. The participants also consumed red meat and fish. The vegetarian protein derived from Sudanese bean butter, lentils, and beans was also consumed by the participants, accounting for 8% of total protein sources. Supplementary protein sources, including milk shakes, Ensure Protein drinks, and one scoop of protein, constituted 4% of total protein sources.

4. Discussion

The sample comprised 98 patients randomly selected from those who underwent SG during the year 2023. Of them, 59 were female (60.2%) and 39 were male (39.8%), similar to previous research in this field [9].
Another study found that the rate of obesity in women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is greater than men, at 33.5% compared to 24% [29]. This result may be associated with other social factors such as pregnancy and childbirth, which explains why more women may resort to surgical interventions to get rid of the excess weight resulting from multiple pregnancies. A study stated that 80% of obese surgery patients were childbearing women [29].
As shown by a study conducted by Aldubikhi [8], social and cultural beliefs, along with multiparity and childbirth, contribute to the rise in obesity among females in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Factors distinguishing females from males include high calorie consumption, increased food intake during pregnancy, avoiding physical activity for 40 days postpartum, and low levels of exercise due to excessive use of phones and internet services. Additionally, more than half of the study samples were found to prioritize eating with their families. This is consistent with the findings of another study [30] conducted on adolescents, which revealed that the surrounding environment and family have a positive impact on their consumption of healthy meals, particularly lunch.
We observed an increase in awareness among the samples, with the results indicating that 39.8% of the participants had obtained a bachelor’s degree with statistical significance, while 50% of the study samples were employees. This underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced diet tailored to the lifestyle of employees to avoid weight gain during their professional careers and busy schedules [31].
Furthermore, the results of a study conducted by Alhowikan [32] emphasized the necessity of implementing policies focused on educating the community about the importance of physical activities coupled with adhering to a healthy diet to prevent long-term chronic diseases. Focusing on the economic aspect, one-third of the study sample had a monthly income exceeding SAR 10,000. Saudi Arabia has witnessed a significant increase in household income since the beginning of the 21st century, contributing to the rise in calorie consumption, fast food consumption, and consequently, obesity rates [8].
The participants’ responses revealed a statistically significant relationship between income level and protein intake from food/dietary supplements, especially following gastric sleeve surgery. The liquid phase post-surgery involves consuming soups and liquid dietary supplements to meet calorie and protein requirements. However, this phase faces obstacles such as taste acceptance issues, noted by over half of our study sample.
Contrary to our findings, a study on the sensory analysis of whey protein-based formulations for individuals undergoing obesity surgery and nutritional rehabilitation indicated a positive acceptance of whey protein formulations, suggesting they may be good dietary alternatives to prevent sarcopenia and weight regain post-surgery [33].
Similarly, the results aligned with a study by Aguas-Ayesa [1], which aimed to identify factors responsible for weight loss and maintenance after obesity surgery. The study emphasized the need to develop specialized dietary supplements tailored to individual patient characteristics such as age, gender, and nutritional status to meet their protein and micronutrient requirements effectively.
Regarding protein intake awareness, half of the study sample did not calculate their protein needs, with a significant decrease in muscle mass. Furthermore, a third of the study sample estimated their protein needs at 30 g and 60 g equally, while 14% consumed 90 g per day. The intake of 60 g of protein aligns with a study by Emara [34] on factors affecting muscle mass loss after gastric sleeve surgery and laparoscopic gastric bypass surgeries.
Moreover, this study indicated a statistically significant relationship between awareness of protein supplements, aiding muscle building before and after gastric sleeve surgery, contradicting a study by Romeijn [22] on the impact of additional protein intake in preserving lean body mass in obese patients post-surgery. The latter study found inconclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of additional protein intake in maintaining muscle mass post-obesity surgery, necessitating more specific recommendations based on high-quality research.
Additionally, this study recorded statistically significant behavior related to physical activity awareness, with 90.8% engaging in various activities, notably aerobic (72.4%) and non-aerobic (18.3%) exercises. This resonates with a study by Oppert [35] combining resistance exercises and protein supplements after obesity surgery, indicating that patients can address muscle loss by maintaining resistance training alongside additional protein intake. Aerobic exercises were highlighted in a study by Sylven Masoga & Gerald P. Mphafudi [36] as providing oxygen to muscles for energy production, suggesting a recommended exercise duration of 30–60 min, 2–3 times per week, with varying intensity levels to aid in weight management. Although patients often report uncertainty about activity thresholds after SG, consensus guidance recommends graduated re-engagement in physical activity, with a progression toward ≥150 min/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity as tolerated and incorporation of resistance training to preserve lean mass and function, alongside behavioral supports [26,37]. Framing our findings against these recommendations helps explain gaps in patients’ awareness and highlights opportunities for targeted education.
This study revealed confidence among participants in food and dietary supplement advertisements as reliable sources of nutrition, aligning with research by Eser Durmaz [38] on the use of social media as an educational tool in nutrition. Nutritionists can utilize various activities such as creating short educational videos and innovative ways to calculate patients’ nutritional needs. However, a study by Kuhne [39] found that consumers, in general, were unaffected by food labels, leading to increased purchases of products and calories. This highlights the need for further research on the impact of food labels on consumers.

5. Conclusions

This study provides valuable insights into the nutritional status, protein intake awareness, and muscle mass preservation among post-SG surgery patients in Saudi Arabia. The findings emphasize the crucial role of adequate protein consumption in preventing muscle mass loss, highlighting the need for structured dietary guidance and patient education. Despite the known benefits of protein intake, many patients face challenges in meeting their nutritional needs due to absorption issues, limited stomach capacity, and dietary restrictions. Additionally, irregular protein consumption and a lack of accurate tracking methods contribute to muscle depletion, underscoring the importance of tailored nutritional strategies. This study also reveals the influence of socioeconomic factors, physical activity levels, and social media on post-surgery dietary behaviors. The results suggest that improved patient education, accessible nutritional counseling, and targeted interventions—such as personalized meal planning and structured exercise programs—can enhance long-term surgical outcomes. Future research should focus on developing evidence-based dietary recommendations and exploring innovative strategies to optimize muscle mass retention and overall health in bariatric patients.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, R.M.A. and M.T.K.; methodology, R.M.A.; software, M.T.K.; validation, R.M.A. and S.M.A.; formal analysis, M.T.K.; investigation, R.M.A., S.A.T. and S.M.A.; resources, M.T.K.; data curation, M.T.K.; writing—original draft preparation, R.M.A., S.M.A., S.A.T., and M.T.K.; writing—review and editing, R.M.A., S.M.A., and M.T.K.; visualization, S.M.A.; supervision, R.M.A. and S.A.T.; project administration, M.T.K.; funding acquisition, R.M.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by the Scientific Research Deanship at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia (grant number KFU254542).

Institutional Review Board Statement

This study received approval from the King Faisal University Ethics Committee (KFU-REC-ETHICS1646, 8 November 2023).

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in this study. Written informed consent has been obtained from the participants to publish this paper.

Data Availability Statement

The data presented in this study are available from the corresponding author on request.

Acknowledgments

We thank all participants for their time and contribution to data collection. We also acknowledge Mouwasat Hospital, Dammam, for its support.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations is used in this manuscript:
SGSleeve Gastrectomy

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Table 1. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the study participants (n = 98).
Table 1. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the study participants (n = 98).
VariableCategoryn (%)
GenderFemale59 (60.2)
Male39 (39.8)
NationalitySaudi90 (91.8)
Non-Saudi8 (8.2)
Age18–2522 (22.4)
26–3011 (11.2)
31–4034 (34.7)
41–5131 (31.6)
Marital statusSingle26 (26.5)
Married66 (67.3)
Divorced6 (6.1)
Do you have children?No32 (32.7)
Yes66 (67.3)
If your answer is yes, how many children do you have?4 or more36 (36.7)
Two14 (14.3)
Three7 (7.1)
One9 (9.2)
With whom do you live?With family91 (92.9)
On your own7 (7.1)
Education levelIntermediate7 (7.1)
High school25 (25.5)
Diploma20 (20.4)
Bachelor39 (39.8)
Master’s7 (7.1)
Employment statusUnemployed44 (44.9)
I have my own business5 (5.1)
Employee49 (50.0)
Income levelSAR 3500–5000 43 (43.9)
SAR 5500–7500 14 (14.3)
SAR 8000–10,000 10 (10.2)
More than SAR 10,000 31 (31.6)
The payment methodInsurance86 (87.8)
Cash12 (12.2)
Table 2. Changes in body weight, muscle mass, and fat percentage before and after sleeve gastric surgery.
Table 2. Changes in body weight, muscle mass, and fat percentage before and after sleeve gastric surgery.
VariableBefore SGPost SGPaired Sample t-Testp-Value
Weight (kg)115.69 ± 19.3193.88 ± 18.5616.770.0001
Muscle mass (kg)32.33 ± 6.4928.29 ± 6.2522.30.0001
Fat mass (%)50.21 ± 4.3344.96 ± 7.178.320.0001
Note: Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD); number of participants, n = 98.
Table 3. Dietary behaviors and nutritional awareness related to protein intake among participants in the study.
Table 3. Dietary behaviors and nutritional awareness related to protein intake among participants in the study.
VariablesCategoryn%Chi-Square Valuep-Value
1. Do you take protein supplement after gastric sleeve?Yes6970.4164.0610.0001
No77.14
Sometimes2222.45
2. Mention the obstacles you faced that prevented you from consuming any protein supplements.Cost2020.41 0.0001
Not accepting the taste5152.04
Did not received support or education from providers of healthcare11.02
I have no knowledge of the products55.1
Other 2121.43
3. The duration of your continued use of protein supplements after the gastric sleeve surgery.Two weeks to a month1414.29 0.0001
Two months2424.49
Three months4444.9
“I did not continue.”1616.33
4. How do you calculate the amount of protein in your food?Food scale1212.24 0.0001
Estimated by palm of hand3131.63
Others, please mention11.02
5. The main source of the proteins you consumeThe food9091.84 0.0001
Protein supplements88.16
6. If you consume your protein from food, what are its sources?Animal sources such as chicken, meat, and dairy products9394.9 0.0001
Plant sources such as legumes, beans, and lentils.55.1
7. The amount of protein you consume per serving per day30 g4242.86 0.0001
60 g4242.86
90 g1414.29
Table 4. Nutritional awareness related to protein intake among participants in the study.
Table 4. Nutritional awareness related to protein intake among participants in the study.
VariablesCategoryFrequency(%)Chi-Square Valuep-Value
Supplements containing vitamins, minerals and protein to help increase muscle.Strongly agree5859.279.390.0001
Agree3030.6
Neutral99.2
Disagree11
Strongest disagree00
Proteins are important nutrients for muscle mass preservation and building.Strongly agree6566.3 0.0001
Agree2828.6
Neutral55.1
Disagree00
Strongest disagree00
At least 15% of the calories should be provided by protein.Strongly agree1010.2 0.0001
Agree6869.4
Neutral1919.4
Disagree11
Strongest disagree00
Do you have knowledge of your appropriate protein intake needs per day?Yes5960.24.080.043
No3939.8
Do you calculate your protein needs in food/supplements?Yes4444.91.020.3124
No5455.1
Do you make sure to read the protein quantity from the nutrition label of the product?Yes5960.24.080.043
No39
Table 5. Correlation between the nutritional awareness of protein intake and protein consumption behaviors in the participants.
Table 5. Correlation between the nutritional awareness of protein intake and protein consumption behaviors in the participants.
Dietary Awareness of Protein IntakeProtein Consumption BehaviorsSpearman (R2)p-Value
Is consuming 60 g of protein sufficient to meet the recommended body requirements?How much protein do you consume in a day?−0.110.296
Do you have knowledge about your protein requirements per day?Did you take any dietary supplements or vitamins before undergoing sleeve gastrectomy?0.000.978
Do you calculate your protein intake from food/supplements?Did you consume protein supplements after sleeve gastrectomy?0.290.004
Do you make a point to read the protein quantity from the nutritional label of the product?Did you face any difficulties when consuming the protein supplement?0.050.608
Do you have knowledge of protein sources in food?Duration of your use of protein supplements after sleeve gastrectomy?−0.050.611
Table 6. The relationship between protein intake behaviors and muscle mass loss after SG using the Spearman correlation coefficient.
Table 6. The relationship between protein intake behaviors and muscle mass loss after SG using the Spearman correlation coefficient.
VariablesSpearman (R2)p-Value
Did you take any dietary supplements or vitamins before undergoing your gastric sleeve surgery?−0.080.448
Did you consume protein supplements after the gastric sleeve surgery?0.070.487
Did you encounter any difficulties when consuming the protein supplement?−0.2240.027
If your answer is yes, how do you calculate the amount of protein in your food?−0.290.050
What is your daily intake of protein per serving?0.140.178
Table 7. Types of protein source according to food records results.
Table 7. Types of protein source according to food records results.
FrequencyPercentage
Milk239.2
Lebna83.2
Yogurt166.4
Cheese3514.1
Chicken4819.3
Eggs5220.9
Red meat 228.8
Fish114.4
Tona41.6
Vegetarian protein208.0
Supplementary protein 104.0
Total 249100.0
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Kharnoub, M.T.; Alqurashi, R.M.; Abdalla, S.M.; Al Temyatt, S. Assessment of Dietary Protein Sources Among Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients in Saudi Arabia. Obesities 2025, 5, 94. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities5040094

AMA Style

Kharnoub MT, Alqurashi RM, Abdalla SM, Al Temyatt S. Assessment of Dietary Protein Sources Among Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients in Saudi Arabia. Obesities. 2025; 5(4):94. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities5040094

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kharnoub, Mashael T., Randah M. Alqurashi, Samar M. Abdalla, and Sultan Al Temyatt. 2025. "Assessment of Dietary Protein Sources Among Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients in Saudi Arabia" Obesities 5, no. 4: 94. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities5040094

APA Style

Kharnoub, M. T., Alqurashi, R. M., Abdalla, S. M., & Al Temyatt, S. (2025). Assessment of Dietary Protein Sources Among Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients in Saudi Arabia. Obesities, 5(4), 94. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities5040094

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