Question

How much physical activity a week is recommended to promote weight loss?

Answer 1

Adults are recommended to engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, combined with muscle-strengthening activities, for weight loss. More than 300 minutes per week can lead to additional benefits. Starting with small increments and building up to at least 30 minutes a day is beneficial.

Step-by-step explanation:

Recommended Physical Activity for Weight Loss

To promote weight loss, it is recommended that adults engage in physical activity for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, as per the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines issued by the HHS. Additionally, muscle-strengthening activities should be done on 2 or more days per week. To achieve successful weight loss, increasing physical activity is often combined with a low-calorie diet, as most successful cases involve both nutrition and exercise modifications.

Engaging in more than 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week can offer additional health benefits and assist further with weight loss and maintenance. However, even moderate exercise programs, such as walking for about an hour a day, can significantly contribute to weight loss and health improvement. Regular physical activity not only aids in weight management but also boosts overall health and increases life expectancy.

It's important not to view exercise with an all-or-nothing mindset. Small increments of physical activity are beneficial, and individuals should aim to gradually increase their exercise duration to at least 30 minutes per day, which is the minimum threshold suggested for health benefits and energy balance.

Answer 2

To promote weight loss, adults should aim for at least 150-300 minutes of aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening exercises per week, with greater activity levels contributing to further benefits. It is also essential to combine exercise with dietary modifications for effective weight loss and maintenance.

Step-by-step explanation:

To promote weight loss, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to 300 minutes (5 hours) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Also, 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both.

Additionally, adults should participate in muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days each week.

For those wanting to exceed the minimum for substantial weight loss and maintenance, engaging in more than 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly can yield additional benefits.

Behavioral interventions, combining physical activity and diet modifications, have proven effective for losing and maintaining weight.

The National Weight Control Registry findings also support the combination of diet changes and increased physical activity, such as walking, for sustained weight loss.

It's important to begin with manageable goals, like 30 minutes of moderate activity daily, and then build from there, reinforcing positive behavior with rewards.