One of my previous posts talked about the fact there's more to exercise than just weight management. But we can't escape the fact that the reason most people exercise is to lose weight or gain muscle. So we're going to talk about the role of exercise in weight management. Now, exercise does a whole lot more than just help you shed pounds, and we're going to dive into four of those benefits.

First up, the physiological impact. Regular physical activity helps counteract the drop in metabolic rate that often comes with weight loss. You see, exercise helps maintain muscle mass, and since muscle burns more calories at rest compared to fat, this is pretty important. By preserving your muscle mass, you're effectively increasing the number of calories your body burns throughout the day, which helps prevent weight regain.

Next, we're going to talk about the behavioral and lifestyle impact. Consistent exercise is a key ingredient in successful weight loss maintenance strategies. Studies have shown that physical activity, especially when combined with dietary interventions, can have small but significant benefits for keeping weight off in the long run. Moreover, exercising regularly can enhance the effectiveness of behavioral interventions by promoting a healthy lifestyle and improving adherence to weight management plans.

Now, let's delve into the psychological benefits. Regular physical activity has positive effects on mood and stress levels, which can help curb emotional eating and improve psychological well-being. It's not therapy though, so I am careful only to mention this as a potential effect. Although there is compelling evidence for this, exercise doesn't replace medical therapy. This makes it easier to maintain healthy eating habits and a stable weight over time.

Lastly, but certainly not least, are the health benefits beyond weight management. Even if some weight regain occurs which is normal after dieting, individuals who continue to engage in physical activity experience significant health benefits. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, and overall fitness, reducing the risk of chronic diseases regardless of changes in body weight.

Exercise is a crucial factor in achieving and maintaining long-term weight loss. It works hand in hand with dietary changes and behavioral strategies to create a comprehensive approach to weight management. 

Although I don't recommend exercise for weight management, I realise that it's important to my clients. We tend to look beyond the immediate weight management goal and take that as a given - increasing activity will help manage weight. We are a product of our health and lifestyle. We can affect lifestyle by including exercise and have a positive effect on body composition. My clients have goals that also go beyond body composition, the drive to take part in activities or to feel less pain.

Book a consultation with me today, by contacting me.