Physical activity

Suggested

4 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Suggested4 studies

Regular physical activity strongly reduces obesity risk and its cardiovascular consequences

Four studies spanning case-control, systematic review, and consensus statement designs consistently identify physical activity as a cornerstone intervention against obesity. A case-control study of 225 children found high physical activity produced the strongest protective effect against overweight/obesity (b= -1.90; 95% CI= -2.63 to -1.16; p<0.001). A systematic review of 23 RCTs involving 13,733 participants (mean BMI 33.9 kg/m²) demonstrated that physical activity programmes sustained cardiovascular benefits—improved blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glucose tolerance—over a mean 37-month period, even when absolute weight loss remained modest. A second systematic review confirmed physical training directly decreases obesity rates and reduces associated disease burden including cancer, diabetes, and coronary disease across diverse populations. The feasibility of long-term adherence is supported by a manageable 16.1% dropout rate in extended trials.

Evidence

Latin American and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer 1st edition : Weight, physical activity, diet, breastfeeding, and cancer

Authors: Aburto, T.C., Barnoya, J., Barquera, S., Canelo-Aybar, C., Cavalcante, T.M., Corvalán, C., Espina, C., Feliu, A., Hallal, P.C., Reynales-Shigematsu, L.M., Rivera, J.A., Romieu, I., Santero, Marilina, Stern, M.C., Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Published: January 1, 2023

The consensus statement reports physical activity protects against 3 cancers with some evidence suggesting protection against 8 additional cancer sites. Sedentary behavior probably increases the risk of 5 cancer sites. The Latin American and Caribbean Code Against Cancer recommends being physically active and limiting sedentary behavior as one of its four main recommendation pillars. A considerable proportion of the Latin American and Caribbean population does not meet physical activity recommendations, making this a key public health intervention target for cancer prevention in the region.

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Does Maternal Schooling Affect The Risk of Child Obesity? A Path Analysis Evidence from Surakarta, Central Java

Authors: Murti, B. (Bhisma ), Pamungkasari, E. P. (Eti ), Rini, A. K. (Arum )

Published: August 29, 2018

In this case-control study of 225 primary school students in Surakarta, Central Java (March–April 2018), path analysis demonstrated that high physical activity was strongly associated with reduced risk of child overweight or obesity (b= -1.90; 95% CI= -2.63 to -1.16; p<0.001). Physical activity also served as a mediating pathway through which maternal education indirectly influenced child weight status. The protective effect of physical activity was the strongest modifiable factor identified in the model, with the largest absolute coefficient among all variables analyzed.

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Long-term effects of non-surgical therapy for obesity on cardiovascular risk management: a weighted empirical review

Authors: Laederach-Hofmann, Kurt, Messerli-Burgy, Nadine, Meyer, Katharina

Published: June 18, 2018

Across 23 RCTs with 13,733 participants (mean BMI 33.9 kg/m²), physical activity programmes were identified as one of the key non-surgical interventions producing long-term cardiovascular benefit. Over a mean study duration of 37 months with follow-up of at least 18 months, interventions incorporating physical activity demonstrated positive effects on blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glucose tolerance. The systematic review specifically assessed combination approaches of diet, exercise, and behavioural therapy, noting sustained cardiovascular improvements even when absolute weight loss was modest. The 16.1% average dropout rate across these long-duration trials supports the feasibility of maintained exercise regimens.

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Health policy strategies for the treatment of obesity: a systematic review

Authors: Konstantina Karaouli, Petros Pappas

Published: January 1, 2010

A systematic review of peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses from Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database evaluated multiple prevention strategies for obesity. Physical training was identified as fundamental in confronting the obesity phenomenon across populations in both developed and developing countries. The review demonstrated a direct relation between obesity and a series of diseases including cancer, diabetes mellitus, and coronary disease, establishing the importance of physical activity in mitigating these obesity-associated risks. The review concluded with clear proof that primary and secondary prevention strategies incorporating physical training lead to decreased obesity rates and reduction in harmful consequences across the studied populations.

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