Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 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
The effect of physical activity on weight loss is mediated by eating self-regulation
Ana M Andrade1, Sílvia R Coutinho, Marlene N Silva
1Faculty of Human Kinetics, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal.
Objective:
This study tested whether different forms of physical activity (PA) were associated with eating self-regulation during weight control, and if changes in eating behavior mediated the relationship between PA and weight loss, in overweight/obese women.
Methods:
239 women (37.6+/-7.0 years; 31.3+/-4.1kg/m(2)) participated. The intervention group received a 12-month group behavioral treatment designed to increase autonomy and self-regulation for weight control. Controls received a health education program. Assessments included body weight, structured and lifestyle exercise/PA, and eating self-regulation.
Results:
Moderate+vigorous and lifestyle PA were associated with 12-month change in most eating variables (p<0.05) and with body weight change (p<0.01). Mediation analysis showed that flexible cognitive restraint and emotional eating fully mediated the relation between lifestyle PA and weight change (effect ratio: 0.63). About 34% of the effect of moderate+vigorous PA on weight change was explained by these same mediators (partial mediation).
Conclusion:
Exercise and PA may positively influence weight control through eating self-regulation. Flexible dietary control and reduced emotional overeating are mechanisms by which an active lifestyle can contribute to long-term weight management.
Practice Implications:
Regular exercise and PA can contribute to improved eating behaviors during weight management. This could represent an important incentive for people seeking weight control.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Regulation
Regulation of Food Intake
Binge Eating Disorders
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
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...

