Exercise

The Role of Exercise in Weight Loss: How Much is Enough?

With LeanBiome you can rest easy knowing that the driving force behind your weight loss is already inside you, working hard day in and day out to help you achieve your goals! And although there are no exercise requirements for taking LeanBiome, making positive changes to your lifestyle will nevertheless help you improve other health markers and complement your weight loss results.

But with so many different exercise programs and recommendations out there, it can be difficult to know how much exercise is enough to achieve weight loss goals. Here, we explore the role of exercise in weight loss and provide guidance on how much exercise is enough.

The Science of Exercise and Weight Loss

Exercise can play a critical role in weight loss by increasing the number of calories burned and helping to maintain lean body mass. When we exercise, our bodies burn calories, and the amount of calories burned depends on the intensity and duration of the exercise. In addition, exercise can help to build muscle mass, which can increase the number of calories burned even when we’re not exercising.

Research has shown that exercise can be an effective tool for weight loss. A meta-analysis of 45 studies found that exercise alone was effective for weight loss, and combining exercise with dietary changes was even more effective. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that individuals engage in 150-250 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to achieve weight loss goals.

Exercise

How Much Exercise is Enough?

The amount of exercise needed for weight loss can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, current fitness level, and weight loss goals. However, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that individuals engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, spread out over at least three days per week. Alternatively, individuals can engage in 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Moderate-intensity exercise can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Vigorous-intensity exercise can include activities such as running, hiking, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It’s important to choose exercises that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle to ensure that you stick with them.

In addition to aerobic exercise, strength training can also play a critical role in weight loss. Building muscle mass through strength training can increase the number of calories burned at rest, making it easier to achieve and maintain weight loss goals. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two days per week.

In conclusion, exercise can be a powerful tool for weight loss, but it’s important to engage in the right amount and type of exercise to achieve your goals. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, along with strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two days per week. By incorporating exercise into your weight loss plan and sticking with it, you can achieve better overall health and wellbeing.

Scientific References:

Donnelly JE, Blair SN, Jakicic JM, et al. American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand. Appropriate physical activity intervention strategies for weight loss and prevention of weight regain for adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41(2):459-471.
Swift DL, Johannsen NM, Lavie CJ, Earnest CP, Church TS. The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2014;56(4):441-447.
Lavelle HV, Mackenzie K, Baumeister RF. Exercise and Self-Control: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol. 2020;11:567. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00567
Strasser B, Schobersberger W. Evidence for Resistance Training as a Treatment Therapy in Obesity. J Obes. 2011;2011:482564.
Kraschnewski JL, Sciamanna CN, Poger JM, Rovniak LS, Lehman EB, Cooper AB. Is strength training associated with mortality benefits? A 15 year cohort study of US older adults. Prev Med. 2016;87:121-127.