Obesity and Physical Activity

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Physical Activity With No Prescribed Reduction in Energy Intake

There have been a number of recent systematic reviews of the literature that provide a comprehensive understanding of the influence of physical activity on weight loss. For example, the Advisory Committee for the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans reviewed the published scientific literature to summarize the influence of physical activity on change in body weight.2 This literature review was limited to studies that examined physical activity with no prescribed change in energy

Alternative Types of Physical Activity

The majority of studies in the literature reporting on the influence of physical activity on body weight have included include aerobic forms of physical activity, such as walking. However, other forms of activity may be considered when prescribing physical activity to overweight and obese adults. These may include resistance exercise, aquatic exercise, or lifestyle forms of physical activity.

Fitness or Fatness: Which Should be The Focus for Reducing Health Risks In Obese Adults?

Participation in physical activity can also improve cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese adults. In the context of an 18-month physical activity intervention that did not prescribe a concurrent reduction in energy intake, a dose–response relationship was reported between physical activity and improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness.4 The observed improvement in fitness resulting from physical activity in overweight and obese adults seems to occur regardless of whether there is a

Preactivity Screening

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for chronic disease,1 and this may result in some health care professionals being cautious with regard to recommending physical activity as a component of the intervention plan. However, the American College of Sports Medicine provides clear guidance on the level of prescreening that is required before initiating a physical activity program for adults with risk factors or known chronic disease.46 Patients are classified as low, moderate,

Does Physical Activity Result in Injuries in Overweight and Obese Adults?

Compared with a normal weight individual, the odds are 15% to 48% greater for an overweight or obese individual to receive medical treatment for an injury. This may influence recommending physical activity for individuals who are overweight or obese. However, although data are limited on whether physical activity causes injuries in overweight and obese adults, Janney and associates48 recently reported on the prevalence of injuries potentially caused by physical activity while participating in a

Behavioral Strategies for Promoting Physical Activity

Despite the known benefits of physical activity for overweight and obese individuals, rates of long-term adherence to activity in overweight and obese adults are suboptimal. Thus, it is recommended that clinicians incorporate behavioral theories and constructs into interventions to facilitate physical activity participation in overweight and obese adults.46 Davis and co-workers49 have suggested that theoretical constructs from the theory of planned behavior,50 the transtheoretical model,51

Summary

Physical activity seems to be an important component of lifestyle interventions for weight loss and maintenance. Although the effects of physical activity on weight loss may seem to be modest, there seems to be a dose–response relationship between physical activity and weight loss. Physical activity also seems to be a critically important behavior to promote long-term weight loss and the prevention of weight regain. The benefits of physical activity on weight loss are also observed in patients

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    Disclosures: John M. Jakicic received an honorarium from JennyCraig for presentation of a scientific symposium (2010), a research grant awarded to the University of Pittsburgh from BodyMedia, Inc., and an unrestricted grant awarded to the University of Pittsburgh from Google. He is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Alere Wellbeing. Kelliann K. Davis declares no conflicts.

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