Aerobic Exercise and Weight Loss in Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Jayedi Ahmad PhD, Soltani Sepideh PhD, Emadi Alireza MSc, Zargar Mahdieh-Sadat MSc, Najafi Ali MD
Primary Institution: Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
What is the dose-response association between aerobic exercise and measurements of body weight, waist circumference, and body fat?
Conclusion
Engaging in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week is associated with modest reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat measures among adults with overweight or obesity.
Supporting Evidence
- Each 30 minutes per week of aerobic exercise was associated with reduced body weight by 0.52 kg.
- Aerobic exercise at least 150 minutes per week was associated with clinically important reductions in waist circumference.
- Body fat percentage decreased by 0.37% for each 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.
- Aerobic exercise was associated with modestly increased physical and mental aspects of quality of life.
- Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate musculoskeletal symptoms.
Takeaway
If you exercise for at least 150 minutes a week, you can lose weight and reduce belly fat.
Methodology
This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of supervised aerobic training on adults with overweight or obesity.
Potential Biases
Some trials had a serious risk of bias.
Limitations
High heterogeneity in the data may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The study included 6880 adults with overweight or obesity, with a mean age of 46 years and 61% female participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI, −0.61 to −0.44 kg
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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