Physical activity and weight loss

Weight loss interventions involving diet and physical activity typically result in 8-10% weight loss within 6-12 months after initiating treatment. Physical activity is a key component of these interventions for a variety of reasons. Weight loss achieved with physical activity averages approximately 1-3 kg, and the effects of physical activity on weight loss appear to be additive to what is observed with dietary restriction alone. Moreover, physical activity is an important behavior for prevention of weight regain and maintenance of significant weight loss resulting from dietary restriction, and physical activity contributes to weight loss in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. However, there is significant interindividual variability in the weight loss resulting from physical activity, with both biological and behavioral factors contributing to this variability. Thus, additional research is needed to understand the role of physical activity in energy balance and body weight regulation, along with an understanding of the optimal intervention strategies to promote physical activity participation in overweight and obese individuals.