1.Substantial weight loss can be achieved with physical activity alone when the appropriate volume of exercise is prescribed and energy intake is held constant but for many overweight or obese individuals this strategy is not sufficient as the volume of exercise required is difficult to achieve and sustain.
2.Dietary restriction and increased physical activity in combination have generally been found to modestly improve weight loss compared with diet alone; however, overweight and obese individuals can lose large amounts of weight with dietary restriction alone.
3.The addition of physical activity (60–90 min) to a dietary intervention substantially increases the odds of successful long-term weight-loss maintenance and might be essential for most overweight and obese individuals to maintain weight loss.