Exercise plays key role in managing obesity: study

February 21, 2012 in Health

Exercise plays key role in managing obesity

(Medical Xpress) -- In spite of recent media reports suggesting that exercise may not be useful in obesity management, overweight and obese people should not be discouraged from taking it up, according to a paper published today in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Winthrop Professor Daniel Green from UWA's School of , Exercise and Health said although treatments such as bariatric (weight loss) surgery were being promoted in some quarters, exercise was still a valuable part of the health equation for and .

"Bariatric surgery has an important and evidence-based role in the treatment of severe obesity. However, lack of attention to prevention, especially exercise, effectively condemns a large proportion of the 20 per cent of Australians who are already obese to disease progression and, ultimately, surgery," Professor Green said.

"Exercise is good for you whether you lose weight or not, because it can help increase muscle mass, improve artery function and decrease the risks of heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

"Recent studies suggest that obese people who develop some level of fitness have a lower cardiovascular disease and death risk than those who are lean but unfit.  Exercise is especially good at preventing diabetes in obese people, who are at higher risk of developing this disease."

Professor Green said experts recommended comprehensive weight management programs should be available for obese patients and those with Type 2 diabetes, and that non-surgical options should be attempted first.

Professor Green's research is supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia, Bendat and Perron Charitable awards.

Journal reference: Medical Journal of Australia search and more info website

Provided by University of Western Australia

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dogbert
Feb 21, 2012

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Exercise is a healthy habit, but is unlikely to significantly lower weight.
gringojason
Feb 21, 2012

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Very true. We have seen amazing results from the people who follow our suggested exercise and nutrition program. We are a non-profit and it's 100% free. livefitrevolution.org The main key is commitment. I lost 60 pounds 2 years ago and I have kept it off. There are lots of great inspiring stories out there of people who have turned their health around through exercise.
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