ABSTRACT
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity warrants the need for interventions to prevent weight gain. Because of its impact on energy expenditure, which can affect energy balance, physical activity may significantly contribute to the prevention of weight gain. This hypothesis is supported by data from prospective observational studies. Data from the Pound of Prevention study supported this hypothesis and demonstrated that an increase in energy expenditure from physical activity may have contributed to the prevention of weight gain in adults [3]. Results from the Harvard Alumni Study have demonstrated that individuals participating in levels of physical activity that are consistent with the current public health guidelines (30 min of moderate intensity physical activity on most days of the week) had lower body weight than individuals not reporting this level of physical activity [4]. DiPietro et al. reported that a modest increase in fitness, which most likely is a result of an increase in physical activity, prevented weight gain across a 4-year period in adults in the Aerobic Center Longitudinal Study [5]. These data provide support for the inclusion of physical activity in efforts to prevent or minimize weight gain.
