Physical Activity and Obesity Management

Obesity has emerged as a major global health challenge, characterised by an excess accumulation of adipose tissue and associated with an elevated risk of cardiometabolic disease, musculoskeletal disorders and mental‐health complications. Central to its prevention and management is the principle of energy balance, in which physical activity serves both to increase energy expenditure and to modulate metabolic function. Physical activity encompasses structured exercise (for example, aerobic and resistance training) as well as lifestyle activities such as active commuting, household chores and recreational movement. Regular engagement in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity promotes reductions in body mass index, visceral fat stores and inflammatory markers, while preserving lean muscle mass and supporting cardiovascular fitness. Conversely, prolonged sedentary behaviour undermines these benefits by contributing to glucose dysregulation and lipid accumulation. Contemporary guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous activity per week, complemented by minimising uninterrupted sitting time. However, effective obesity management extends beyond individual prescriptions to address multilevel determinants—psychological motivation, social support networks, environmental access and policy frameworks—that influence adherence. Integrated approaches draw on behavioural change models to identify and overcome barriers, tailor interventions to diverse populations and foster sustainable active lifestyles. In sum, the interplay of exercise science, behavioural strategies and public health measures underpins the modern paradigm for using physical activity as a cornerstone of obesity management.

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Physical Activity and Obesity Management publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in physical activity and obesity management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Body mass index (BMI): A numerical value of weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared, used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity.

Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA): Any movement requiring elevated heart rate and energy expenditure, typically measured in metabolic equivalents (METs) and recommended for at least 150 minutes weekly.

Sedentary behaviour: Waking activities characterised by low energy expenditure (≤1.5 METs), such as sitting, reclining or screen time, associated with adverse metabolic outcomes.

References

1. Barriers and facilitators to physical activity for young adult women: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2023).
2. Association between physical activity and longitudinal change in body mass index in middle-aged and older adults. BMC Public Health (2023).
3. Joint Association between Sedentary Time and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity with Obesity Risk in Adults from Latin America. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023).