Obesity A Growing Epidemic

How Exercise Affects Obesity

Obesity Prevention

  • Avoiding sedentary lifestyles is effective in preventing obesity before it happens; more time spent in sedentary behavior is associated with higher risk of obesity. (Dyck 2014). 
  • Participating in both moderate intensity and vigorous intensity exercise is effective in preventing weight gain.  

Exercise and Overall Health

  • High levels of physical activity are consistently and strongly associated with a range of health outcomes (Dyck 2014).
  • Maintaining physical activity, limiting sedentary time and having a normal weight can jointly affect health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers (Dyck 2014).

What Should I Do?

Participate in Moderate and Vigorous Intensity Exercise

According to the Institute of Medicine, adults should accumulate 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise each day to prevent weight gain. This includes brisk walking, dancing, gardening, and more. 
According to the American College of Sports Medicine,  adults also do muscle-strengthening exercises targeting each major muscle group twice a week for additional health benefits.

Personalize It!

You are more likely to continue with your physical activity routine if you personalize it to your liking. Set personal goals, and include fun recreational activities that you enjoy to do. (ACSM).

Find a Support Group!

You're also more likely to follow an exercise routine if you have support from friends or family. Not only this, but having a workout buddy makes it more fun for both of you. You can also hold each other accountable for completing your goals for physical activity for the day or week (ACSM).

References

  •  Van Dyck, D., Cerin, E., De Bourdeaudhuij, I., Hinckson, E., Reis, R. S., Davey, R., . . . Sallis, J. F. (2015). International study of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time with body mass index and obesity: IPEN adult study. International Journal of Obesity, 39(2), 199-207. doi:10.1038/ijo.2014.115 


  • WANG, R., & LI, H. (2022). Physical activity as compositional data: The relationship between physical activity, sleep, sedentary time and obesity: 1923. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 54(9), 471. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000880980.43342.36


  • American College of Sports Medicine