Final answer:
The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines advocate for adults to engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week for health benefits and weight management. Research supports that a combination of physical activity and dietary control is essential. However, most Americans fall short of meeting these activity recommendations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evidence-Based Physical Activity Recommendations for Weight Management
The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans play a crucial role in informing individuals about appropriate physical activity levels to improve health and manage weight. Research indicates that for substantial health benefits, adults should engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or a combination of both. Moreover, muscle-strengthening activities should be done on 2 or more days per week. Despite these recommendations, a large portion of Americans do not meet the suggested guidelines, contributing to various health issues.
Various studies, such as those by Kivimäki et al. (2006) and Speck et al. (2010), provide support for the interconnected nature of dietary practices and physical activity for weight management. Adherence to a low-calorie, low-fat diet, and regular physical activity such as an hour of exercise per day, were common strategies among those who achieved significant weight loss. The central theme of this research and guidelines is that a balanced approach to nutrition and exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being.