Advances in Pharmacology · Jul 2, 2026

The role of physical activity in the management of obesity

By Creel DB

Physical activity is a crucial component of overall health and physical function. It is also associated with obesity management in a variety of ways. Physical activity can impact weight directly by burning calories during and after movement. In addition, its role in building or conserving muscle mass has the potential to affect calories burned at rest. Physical activity and decreased sedentary time may indirectly impact weight by regulating calories consumed. This impact is highly variable but potential mediators include appetite regulation, sleep, mood regulation, and other psychological factors. In the current era of obesity management, characterized by obesity management medications (OMMs) and metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), physical activity may have a diminishing role in creating energy deficits. Instead, physical activity should be considered in the context of treating the broader condition of obesity. Obesity is associated with a number of health conditions that decrease longevity and quality of life. Physical activity, even without substantial weight loss, prevents and treats many of these same conditions. Weight loss and physical activity can impact each other in a bi-directional way, with weight loss making movement easier and more enjoyable, and physical activity improving energy and self-efficacy that can be used to manage the nutritional side of weight management. Practitioners should avoid generic exercise prescriptions for obesity and instead complete comprehensive assessments to guide individualized treatments. These treatments should incorporate patient values, utilize empirically supported behavioral principles including self-monitoring, consider technology, and be collaborative in nature.

doi.org/10.1016/bs.apha.2026.06.006PubMed 42977339Interventions