Obesity (Weight Loss) (cont.)
What is the role of physical activity and exercise in obesity?
The National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES I) showed that people who
engage in limited recreational activity were more likely to gain weight than
more active people. Other studies have shown that people who engage in regular
strenuous activity gain less weight than sedentary people. Studies on twins
(twins have identical genes) showed that physical activity might actually
protect the more active twin from developing obesity.
Physical activity and exercise help burn calories. The amount of calories
burned depends on the type, duration, and intensity of the activity. It also
depends on the weight of the person. A 200-pound person will burn more calories
running 1 mile than a 120-pound person, because the work of carrying those extra
80 pounds must be factored in. But exercise as a treatment for obesity is most
effective when combined with a diet weight-loss program. Exercise alone without
diet will have a limited effect on weight because one has to exercise a lot to
simply lose one pound. However regular exercise is an important part of a
healthy lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight for the long term. Another
advantage of regular exercise as part of a weight-loss program is a greater loss
of body fat versus lean muscle compared to those who diet alone.
Other benefits of exercise include:
- Improved blood sugar control and increased insulin sensitivity (decreased
insulin resistance)
- Reduced triglyceride levels and increased good HDL cholesterol levels
- Lowered blood pressure
- A reduction in abdominal fat
- Reduced risk of heart disease. A study performed in men found those with
moderate activity had a 23 percent lower risk of death than those who were less
active.
Remember, these health benefits can occur independently (with or without)
achieving weight loss. Before starting an exercise program, you should talk to
your doctor about the type and intensity of the exercise program.
General exercise recommendations:
- 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 to 7 days a week, preferably daily.
Types of exercise include walking, stationary bicycling, walking or jogging on a
treadmill, stair climbing machines, jogging, and swimming.
- Exercise can be broken up into smaller 10-minute sessions.
- Start slowly and progress gradually to avoid injury, excessive soreness,
or fatigue. Over time, build up to 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous
exercise every day.
- People are never too old to start exercising. Even frail, elderly
individuals (ages 70-90 years) can improve their strength and balance.
Exercise precautions:
The following people should consult a doctor before vigorous exercise:
- Men over age 40 or women over age 50.
- Individuals with heart or lung disease, asthma, arthritis, or
osteoporosis.
- Individuals who experience chest pressure or pain with exertion, or who
develop fatigue or shortness of breath easily.
- Individuals with conditions that increase their risk of developing
coronary heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette
smoking, high blood cholesterol, or having family members with early onset heart
attacks and coronary heart disease.
For additional information, please visit the
Exercise and Activity Center.
Next: What is the role of diet in the treatment of obesity? »
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