Adherence
An intensive start with combined diet and supervised circuit weight training (0-3 months) significantly enhances long-term waist circumference reduction compared to delayed exercise or behavioral modification alone.
If you are starting a weight loss journey, especially if you have obesity, start with an intensive program that includes both diet and supervised exercise from day one. This study suggests that adding structured exercise (like circuit training) in the first 3 months leads to significantly better long-term reduction in waist circumference than starting exercise later or doing diet alone. The early success helps maintain motivation and adherence over the next few years.
The addition of exercise at the onset promoted greater reductions in waist circumference.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with 3-year follow-up and good adherence, though limited by selection bias (volunteers).
Source
Long‐term effects on weight loss and maintenance by intensive start with diet and exercise
Kaisu Kaikkonen et al. · Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports · 2022
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