ABSTRACT
A typical three of four session a week aerobic
exercise/walking programme would produce
between 600 and 1000 kcal extra energy
expenditure (depending on body weight) and
this would roughly explain this degree of weight
loss. Exercise is effective, particularly over the
long term; however, the rate of loss is often
disappointing to the patient who wishes to lose
large amounts of weight rapidly. Weight loss
due to exercise also seems to be less in females
than in males. Furthermore, exercise for severely
obese patients is usually too difficult for them to
accumulate sufficient energy expenditure for
significant amounts of weight loss. For this
reason, exercise becomes more important as the
degree of obesity diminishes, and where
prevention of further weight gain rather than
substantial weight loss is targeted.
