Regular physical exercise is crucial for weight loss efforts, as per a recent report. Scientists emphasize that activities like jogging, swimming, walking, or cycling can enhance blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, and overall fitness in overweight or obese adults.
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that physical activity is an integral part of effective obesity treatment, providing health benefits even when combined with weight-loss drugs or surgery. The success of weight loss programs relies on a support system involving healthcare professionals to help individuals establish and sustain healthy habits realistically.
In a new statement published in the journal Circulation, AHA calls for a comprehensive treatment strategy that prioritizes physical activity. It highlights that regular exercise brings various health improvements for overweight individuals, regardless of weight loss.
Professor Damon Swift, leading the AHA writing group, stresses that while weight loss is beneficial for reducing heart disease risk, promoting physical activity is equally important. Exercise not only supports weight loss but also contributes to long-term maintenance and delivers significant heart and metabolic advantages.
Research shows that incorporating exercise alongside dietary changes aids in preserving muscle mass during weight loss. Resistance training, particularly for middle-aged and older adults, is effective in maintaining muscle while shedding fat. Adequate protein intake is also crucial for muscle preservation during weight loss.
Maintaining muscle mass is essential for mobility, metabolism, and blood sugar control. Prof Swift emphasizes that exercise, especially resistance training, plays a vital role in overall health improvement, even if significant weight loss is not achieved solely through exercise.
The scientific statement underscores that exercise alone generally results in modest weight loss, typically less than 5% of body weight. AHA recommends adults engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity to achieve health benefits and support weight management.
Prof Swift suggests that consistent physical activity levels of 200 to 300 minutes per week are associated with long-term weight-loss maintenance. Even a regular exercise routine, if not meeting high activity levels, is beneficial for overall health and weight management.
In conclusion, the AHA stresses the importance of tailored obesity treatment plans involving a collaborative effort between individuals and healthcare professionals. Realistic goal-setting, evidence-based approaches, and continuous support are essential to address obesity effectively and promote healthier habits in the long run.