Physical activity in obesity management.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Obesity Management

Background:

• Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns associated with numerous cardiometabolic risk factors.
• Physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone of lifestyle interventions for managing weight and improving health outcomes.
• Evidence-based recommendations for PA in adults with overweight or obesity are crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the evidence-based recommendations for physical activity in adults with overweight or obesity.
• To outline the benefits of different types and intensities of PA for body composition, fitness, and cardiometabolic health.
• To provide guidance on PA for weight loss, weight maintenance, and overall well-being.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and synthesis of evidence regarding physical activity and its effects on adults with overweight or obesity.
• Grading of recommendations based on the strength of evidence (Levels) and quality of evidence (Grades).
• Inclusion of findings related to aerobic exercise, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Main Results:

• Aerobic PA (30-60 minutes, moderate-to-vigorous intensity) supports weight/fat loss, visceral and ectopic fat reduction, weight maintenance, fat-free mass preservation, and improved cardiorespiratory fitness and mobility.
• Resistance training aids weight maintenance, modest muscle mass/fat-free mass gains, and mobility in adults with overweight or obesity.
• Higher intensity exercise, including HIIT, enhances cardiorespiratory fitness more efficiently than moderate-intensity aerobic activity.
• Regular PA improves cardiometabolic risk factors like hyperglycemia, insulin sensitivity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, irrespective of weight loss.
• PA enhances health-related quality of life, mood (depression, anxiety), and body image in adults with overweight or obesity.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity is essential for adults with overweight or obesity, offering multifaceted health benefits.
• Tailoring PA intensity and type can optimize outcomes for body composition, fitness, and metabolic health.
• PA interventions should be considered for improving overall health-related quality of life and mental well-being in this population.