Recommendations Summary

Adult Weight Management (AWM) Physical Activity

Click here to see the explanation of recommendation ratings (Strong, Fair, Weak, Consensus, Insufficient Evidence) and labels (Imperative or Conditional). To see more detail on the evidence from which the following recommendations were drawn, use the hyperlinks in the Supporting Evidence Section below.

• Recommendation(s)

  AWM: Physical Activity

  Physical activity should be part of a comprehensive weight management program. Physical activity level should be assessed and individualized long-term goals established to accumulate at least 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity on most, and preferably, all days of the week, unless medically contraindicated. Physical activity contributes to weight loss, may decrease abdominal fat, and may help with maintenance of weight loss.

  Rating: Strong
  Imperative

  • Risks/Harms of Implementing This Recommendation

    Intense physical activity in some overweight and obese individuals may contribute to disability or death, thus consultation with a physician prior to beginning an exercise program should be recommended.

  • Conditions of Application

    None specified.

  • Potential Costs Associated with Application

    None.

  • Recommendation Narrative

    • Physical activity is recommended as part of a comprehensive weight loss therapy and weight control program because it modestly contributes to weight loss in overweight and obese adults (NHLBI Evidence Category A), may decrease abdominal fat (NHLBI Evidence Category B), increases cardiorespiratory fitness (NHLBI Evidence Category A), and may help with maintenance of weight loss (NHLBI Evidence Category C). 
    • Physical activity should be an integral part of weight loss therapy and weight maintenance (NHLBI Category A). 
    • Initially, moderate levels of physical activity for 30 – 45 minutes, 3 to 5 days a week, should be encouraged.  All adults should set a long-term goal to accumulate at least 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity on most, and preferable, all days of the week.  NHLBI Evidence Category B. 
    • Physical activity, i.e. aerobic exercise, in overweight and obese adults, results in modest weight loss independent of the effect of caloric reduction through diet.  NHLBI Evidence Category A.

  • Recommendation Strength Rationale

    • NHLBI Evidence Categories of A, B and C

  • Minority Opinions

    Consensus reached.

• Supporting Evidence

  The recommendations were created from the evidence analysis on the following questions. To see detail of the evidence analysis, click the blue hyperlinks below (recommendations rated consensus will not have supporting evidence linked).

  • References
  • References not graded in Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Process

    The Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults: The Evidence Report, NIH Publication No. 98-4083, September 1998, produced by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in cooperation with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

    Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/e_txtbk/txgd/40.htm

    To access the pdf of the NHLBI Clinical Guidelines click here: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/e_txtbk/index.htm