Energy balance
High levels of physical activity (60-90 minutes/day of moderate-intensity exercise) are required to maintain significant weight loss, whereas physical activity contributes minimally to initial weight loss compared to dietary restriction.
If you have lost a significant amount of weight, do not stop exercising. To keep it off, you likely need to burn 2,500-2,800 kcal per week through activity (roughly 60-90 minutes of brisk walking daily). This is much higher than the activity needed just to prevent gaining weight in the first place. You can achieve this through short bouts of activity throughout the day rather than one long session.
Available data are consistent in that 60 –90 min/day of moderate-intensity physical activity is required to maintain a significant weight loss. Although physical activity does not appear to contribute significantly to weight loss, it is critical for maintenance of weight loss.
Why this rating
Based on consistent observational data from the National Weight Control Registry and prospective studies, though randomized trials are noted as lacking.
Source
Role of physical activity in preventing and treating obesity
James O. Hill et al. · Journal of Applied Physiology · 2005
DOI 10.1152/japplphysiol.00137.2005
Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
- Bariatric surgery is superior to medical management alone for inducing significant long-term weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and reduction in mortality for patients with BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities.Strong
- Achieving type 2 diabetes remission requires significant weight loss (≥15 kg) via major caloric restriction, independent of macronutrient composition.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →