Fisioterapia Brasil · Oct 14, 2026
Obesity and metabolic alterations: impacts on mobility, functional capacity, and quality of life
By Felipe MCAV, Bendia HAM, Bicca LR et al.
INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a condition of considerable clinical relevance, especially during aging, because it is associated not only with excess adiposity but also with metabolic alterations that can affect physical and functional health. The presence of abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, and glycemic alterations may be related to impaired mobility, reduced functional capacity, and poorer quality of life, making an approach that considers body composition and the preservation of functional independence, in addition to body weight, necessary. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impacts of obesity and metabolic alterations on mobility, functional capacity, and quality of life, with an emphasis on the older population, and to identify the effects of interventions related to weight loss, physical exercise, and lifestyle changes on these outcomes. METHODS: This is an integrative literature review of a qualitative and descriptive nature. The search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases, using descriptors and terms related to obesity, metabolic syndrome, metabolic alterations, mobility, functional capacity, physical function, and quality of life, combined using the Boolean operators AND and OR. Initially, 68 records were identified, of which 23 duplicates were removed, leaving 45 for screening. After the titles and abstracts were assessed, 25 records were excluded, and 20 articles were assessed in full text. Ultimately, 7 studies met the established criteria and constituted the final sample. RESULTS: The studies showed an association between obesity, especially abdominal obesity, metabolic alterations, and greater impairment of physical function and mobility. Metabolic syndrome and hyperglycemia were also related to a higher risk of mobility decline, while the presence of metabolic alterations was associated with poorer quality of life, mainly in aspects related to physical health and well-being. Regarding interventions, the combination of diet and exercise showed benefits for weight loss, physical performance, and quality of life, while resistance training demonstrated greater preservation of lean mass during weight loss. Multicomponent interventions involving nutrition, exercise, and behavioral changes also demonstrated improved physical function and possible reductions in body mass and body fat, although the certainty of the evidence varied across the outcomes assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and metabolic alterations are related to impaired mobility, functional capacity, and quality of life, particularly in the older population. Strategies combining nutritional intervention, physical exercise, and behavioral changes have the potential to promote metabolic and functional benefits, and the preservation of lean mass and musculoskeletal health should be considered during the weight loss process. Thus, obesity management should be multidimensional and individualized, addressing not only weight reduction but also the maintenance of functional ability, independence, and quality of life.