Review article

Fighting Obesity with Physical Activity

Zdravko Babić

Abstract

Over the past three decades, prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased considerably in the societies throughout the world, partly also due to the decreasing overall physical activity levels. All indicators suggest that this trend will probably continue with far-reaching adverse effects on public health. Regular physical exercise, either aerobic or anaerobic one, reduces the risk of a series of chronic diseases, including obesity, especially with sedentary lifestyle that is an additional and independent risk factor. Improved weight loss and weight maintenance within optimal limits is achieved with leisure-time physical activity in the form of at least submaximal graded exercising for 250 or more minutes per week, including dietary interventions. Recommended physical exercise has to be in accordance with the needs, goals, preferences and initial ability of the person exercising and exercise prescription has to be individualized, maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risks. Overall levels of daily physical activity have to be increased as well.

Keywords

physical activity; obesity; epidemiology; therapy

Hrčak ID:

199424

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/199424

Publication date:

26.4.2018.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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