A recent study indicates that shedding pounds may not be the most reliable path to improving health; rather, engaging in regular exercise holds greater significance. Conducted on the treatment of obesity, this research challenges the traditional reliance on body mass index (BMI) as a health measure.
Published in the journal iScience, the study explores a “weight neutral” strategy for addressing obesity, concentrating instead on the benefits of physical activity, including both strength training and aerobic exercises that enhance cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that exercise is a more effective determinant of health than merely focusing on weight loss.
Researchers discovered that many health issues related to obesity are more closely linked to a lack of exercise than to obesity itself. The study noted that increasing physical activity can diminish the heightened mortality risks associated with obesity. Moreover, improvements in significant cardiometabolic health markers from exercise were found to be comparable to those achieved through weight loss from caloric restrictions.
“We want to convey that individuals can be fit at various sizes and that healthy bodies come in all forms,” stated study author Jordan Ellis from the Wellness Institute at the University of California. The team was prompted to examine the relationship between exercise and weight loss due to the simultaneous rise of obesity and dieting trends in the U.S., which led to questions about the efficacy of strict dieting.
“The intense emphasis on weight loss hasn’t curtailed the rising rates of obesity in recent decades,” the study notes. “Additionally, repeated attempts to lose weight may lead to further weight gain and are linked with significant health risks.”
How Much Exercise is Necessary?
According to the CDC, adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly, along with at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities. Everyday activities like walking the dog or cleaning can count as moderate exercise, while gardening can serve as a strength-building workout.
“We’re not against weight loss,” Ellis added. “However, it shouldn’t be the primary measure of success in lifestyle interventions.”
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In summary, this study emphasizes the importance of exercise over weight loss as a key contributor to overall health. Regular physical activity provides significant health benefits, regardless of an individual’s weight.