Exercise and Nutritional Strategies to Promote Weight Loss: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Obesity has historically been thought to simply be related to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Weight loss recommendations have traditionally focused on reducing energy intake, maintaining either a high-carbohydrate low-fat diet or vice versa, and increasing physical activity typically through low to moderate intensity exercise. More recently, genetic, physiological, and behavioral factors have also been found to play a significant role in the etiology of obesity. For this reason, the prevention and management of obesity through implementation of different types of exercise and diet intervention programs, behavioral interventions, and/or medical interventions are at the forefront of obesity research. As a result, we are beginning to see a paradigm shift from traditional weight loss and management approaches to personalized diet and exercise strategies. This purpose of this narrative review was to overview: 1.) the effects of physical activity on weight loss; 2.) the effects of diet and cardiovascular exercise on weight loss; 3.) the effects of high protein diet with resistance-exercise on weight loss; and, 4.) behavioral factors that contribute weight loss and maintenance.