Exercise Treatment for Obesity
In recent times, affluent societies have
become less physically active, and this has undoubtedly contributed to
the increased incidence of obesity. Formal programs of exercise training
can reduce body weight and fat, but, in many cases, the changes produced
by exercise are small. When combined with energy restriction, exercise
results in little further weight loss, but there is a strong trend for
a greater loss of body fat. Thus, during diet-induced weight loss, added
exercise seems to accelerate fat loss and maintain lean body mass, a condition
which may prevent a decline in RMR. It is becoming increasingly clear
that weight loss is better maintained when exercise is part of a weight-reducing
program. Furthermore, following a period of diet-induced weight loss,
participation in regular exercise amounting to an energy expenditure of
more than 1500 kcal/week will result in more successful maintenance of
the lesser weight. An emphasis should be placed on adopting life-long
habits conducive to weight control and overall health rather than temporary
measures for weight loss. A program which encompasses regular physical
activity, modest energy intake, and reduced calories from fat has the
potential to meet such a goal. Regular physical activity has the potential
to reverse insulin resistance, improve cardiovascular function and the
blood lipid profile, and control high blood pressure. Overweight individuals
can obtain these important benefits even if body weight is not completely
normalized during a program of regular physical activity. This should
help alleviate problems of diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension often
associated with being overweight. Further research is needed to identify
more specifically the optimal amount, type, and intensity of exercise
needed to produce weight loss or maintain ideal body weight. To date,
the best recommendation comes from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Persons are urged to engage in regular physical activity which promotes
a daily energy expenditure of at least 300 kcal/day and to choose from
a variety of activities, in particular, those which are enjoyable and
that can be continued for life.
Source: Zachwieja JJ. Exercise and Nutrition
Program, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, USA. 1996
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