Exercise, a subcategory of physical activity, refers to planned, structured, and repetitive- activities aimed at improving physical fitness and health. Exercise results in energy expenditure. Increased energy expenditure leads to weight loss. In addition to weight loss, regular exercise will help control diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in people with obesity.
300 minutes per week of moderate physical activity (or 150 minutes of high-intensity exercise) is recommended for weight loss. Resistance exercises 2 days a week will be an added benefit. Exercise plans combined with calorie curbed diet plans will work better. All attempts should be made to reduce physical inactivity time (sitting time). People with obesity should be examined by a cardiologist before doing intensive exercise. Clinicians should also address physical limitations while recommending exercise. It is also important to discuss “cardiorespiratory fitness” as an attainable goal than significant weight loss. People with obesity with good cardiorespiratory fitness have less mortality than normal-weight individuals. Any increase in physical activity should be appreciated and encouraged.