Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats
Published on: April 28, 2023
Exercise and diet in weight management: updating what works
1Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. djmac@hku.hk
Abstract:
The world is facing major problems associated with the rapid increase in levels of overweight and obesity. Solving this problem via appropriate modifications to exercise habits and/or diet appears easy, but in practice it is inordinately difficult and only a small percentage manage to maintain their weight loss over the long term. However, a number of strategies can be used to increase the chances of success. Medical doctors, dieticians and other allied health professionals are potentially well placed to provide guidance to those at risk of overweight/obesity. This review is aimed at supporting major initiatives targeting an increase in community physical activity to help reduce the prevalence of overweight/obesity, such as the "Change4Life" campaign in the UK (http://www.nhs.uk/change4life) and the "Exercise is Medicine" campaign in the USA (http://www.exerciseismedicine.org). By providing a concise summary of the evidence-based research that can be easily understood by a wide range of health professionals, this review hopes to provide a useful document that can be used to enhance preventive counselling by promoting appropriate changes in lifestyle that will ultimately increase levels of physical activity, as well as reduce levels of overweight/obesity and other associated chronic hypokinetic conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the risk...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...

