Research

Energy balance

Aerobic exercise at moderate intensity (150-200 min/week) is the preferred intervention for weight and fat loss in adults with overweight or obesity, though expected weight loss is limited to 2-3 kg on average.

To lose weight, aim for 150-200 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (like brisk walking) per week. Manage your expectations: you will likely lose 2-3 kg. This amount of exercise is highly effective for improving blood pressure and visceral fat, even if the scale doesn't move dramatically.

StrongQualifiesHIGH confidence
For loss in body weight, total fat, visceral fat, intra-hepatic fat, and for improvement in blood pressure, an exercise training program based on aerobic exercise at moderate intensity is preferentially advised. Expected weight loss is however on average not more than 2 to 3 kg.
Jean‐Michel Oppert et al. · Obesity Reviews · 2021

Why this rating

Based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses of controlled trials, rated as 'High' strength of evidence.

Source

Exercise training in the management of overweight and obesity in adults: Synthesis of the evidence and recommendations from the European Association for the Study of Obesity Physical Activity Working Group

Jean‐Michel Oppert et al. · Obesity Reviews · 2021

DOI 10.1111/obr.13273

Meta-analysisCited 252×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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