ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the concept of physical activity; the multiple sets of guidelines available for consideration; and the role that physical activity can play in preventing weight gain, achieving weight loss, and sustaining long-term weight maintenance after significant weight loss. It presents a practical approach to physical activity in individuals who struggle with overweight and obesity from exercise prescription to special needs in the bariatric population. The chapter discusses the guidelines and tools and describes clinicians as they initiate a dialogue regarding daily physical activity with their overweight and obese patients. Most of the literature on physical activity, obesity, and weight modification is reported as exercise. Regular physical activity is associated with long-term weight loss maintenance. Predicting the amount or type of physical activity that will optimize this weight loss maintenance has yet to be accomplished. Physical activity is not only helpful in the long-term treatment of obesity but also has a positive effect on many co-morbid conditions of obesity.
