Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Facilitating Healthy Weight Loss?

Romesh Khardori, MD, PhD; Evelyn S. Marienberg, MD

Disclosures

November 06, 2023

In individuals who are inactive, energy expenditures are minimal, resulting in exercise having a relatively minor direct function in weight loss, according to Donnelly and colleagues. However, exercise still plays an integral role in weight loss and overall health. Research supports the importance of exercise with respect to improved cardiovascular fitness, insulin sensitivity, glycemic control of type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, and depression scores. Physical activity is also a crucial component of pharmacologic weight management. For example, the recently approved chronic weight management treatment, tirzepatide, is intended as an adjunct to increased physical activity and a calorie-restricted diet. Additionally, studies have shown that the ability to develop and sustain an exercise program is one of the best predictors of successful long-term weight loss.

According to Saif and colleagues, aerobic exercise has been shown to hold the greatest value for individuals with obesity.

For individuals who were previously sedentary/inactive, a slow progression in physical activity has been recommended, with the goal of achieving 30 minutes of exercise daily after several weeks of gradual buildup.

Learn more about breaking down barriers to weight loss.

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