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The Role of Physical Activity and Diet on Weight Management

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Obesity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 September 2025 | Viewed by 9571

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Dr. Sarah Shultz

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Guest Editor

School of Arts and Sciences, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO 81301, USA
Interests: child obesity; physical activity; orthopedics; biomechanics; gait

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Nutrients focuses on the critical roles of physical activity and diet on weight management. As the global rates of obesity and related chronic diseases continue to rise, the importance of effective, sustainable strategies for managing body weight has never been more pressing. This Special Issue explores the diverse and substantial impact of lifestyle behaviors on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

We warmly accept novel short communications, original research articles, and review articles that focus on the biopsychosocial benefits of physical activity and/or diet on weight management across a person’s lifespan and/or within specific populations.

By integrating insights from both physical activity and dietary research, this Special Issue aims to provide a further understanding of how lifestyle behaviors continue to significantly influence weight management programming.

Dr. Sarah Shultz
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

obesity
weight loss
diet
eating behavior
physical activity
exercise
lifestyle behaviors

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body Weight Loss Experience Among Adults from Saudi Arabia and Assessment of Factors Associated with Weight Regain: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Ibrahim M. Gosadi

Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2341; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142341 - 17 Jul 2025

Viewed by 261

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Weight loss and its subsequent regain pose significant challenges for those dealing with overweight and obesity. This study explores weight loss strategies among adults in Saudi Arabia and evaluates factors linked to weight regain. Methods: This cross-sectional study focused on adults residing in Jazan, located in southwest Saudi Arabia. Data collection was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire that assessed participants’ demographics, medical history, perceptions of body weight, weight loss methods, and the incidence of weight regain. Logistic regression was used to determine whether there were statistically significant differences related to the occurrence of weight regain. Results: A total of 368 participants reported efforts to lose weight over the past 3 years. The average age of these participants was 32.7 years (standard deviation: 11.3), and the gender distribution was almost equal. The majority of the sample (65%) voiced dissatisfaction with their body weight. Some participants employed a combination of weight loss methods, with exercise, reduced food intake, and intermittent fasting being the most frequently mentioned. The findings also indicate that a minority sought professional help, whether from a physician or a nutritionist. Over 90% claimed to have successfully lost weight at least once during their attempts, but more than half (139 individuals) experienced weight regain following their weight loss efforts. Within the univariate logistic regression, higher odds ratios of weight regain were detected among men, older participants, those living in rural areas, individuals with higher levels of education, employed persons or business owners, those with higher monthly incomes, smokers, khat chewers, and those diagnosed with a chronic condition (p values < 0.05). However, the multivariate logistic regression revealed that only residence, monthly income, smoking status, and being diagnosed with a chronic disease remained statistically significant as predictors of weight regain after adjusting for other variables (p values < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the significance of incorporating weight regain prevention into body weight management for individuals dealing with overweight and obesity. Further research is needed to evaluate specific dietary, physical activity, and psychological factors that may increase the risk of weight regain in certain participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Diet on Weight Management)

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18 pages, 1430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

BMI-Specific Nutritional Education Priorities for Weight Management in Osteoarthritis

by Ashley N. Buck, Danae C. Gross, Jieun (Jenna) Kim, Erica L. Rauff, Jennifer M. Dinallo, Lauren M. Abbate, Todd A. Schwartz, Nicholas J. Beresic, Connie B. Newman and Sarah P. Shultz

Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2056; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132056 - 20 Jun 2025

Viewed by 520

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The educational needs of individuals with OA and obesity can drive personalized resources for effective dietary interventions that align patient interests with weight and disease management. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate differences in nutritional education topics of interest between patients with OA who are characterized as having higher (≥30 kg/m²; HBMI) and lower BMI (<30 kg/m²; LBMI). Methods: Cross-sectional survey data (n = 296) were dichotomized into HBMI (n = 172; BMI: 38.67 ± 6.59 kg/m²) and LBMI (n = 124; BMI: 25.59 ± 3.00 kg/m²) groups. A mixed-method approach examined group differences across four primary domains: (i) strategies for weight management and healthy lifestyle, (ii) interest in vitamins and supplements, (iii) foods and nutrient with anti-inflammatory properties, and (iv) dietary patterns for weight loss. Logistic regression models compared topic interests between groups. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses captured additional insights. Results: Compared to LBMI participants, those in the HBMI group showed greater interest in weight loss strategies, emotional eating, and diets such as low-carbohydrate and ketogenic approaches, but less interest in general supplement information and plant-based diets. HBMI also had greater interest in practical strategies (e.g., feeling full, affordable foods) and reduced interest in certain anti-inflammatory foods. Both groups expressed a desire for evidence-based resources on foods that promote joint health. Conclusions: BMI-specific differences in nutritional education preferences highlight the need for tailored, patient-centered strategies in OA management. Addressing these differences may improve the effectiveness of education interventions and enhance patient–provider communication around diet and lifestyle in OA care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Diet on Weight Management)

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15 pages, 3980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in Body Composition Components Across Different Age Groups and Proposal of Age-Specific Normative Tables: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Kleber E. G. Barbão, Audrei Pavanello, Fabiano M. Oliveira, Natalia Q. Santos, Pablo Valdés-Badilla, Luciana L. M. Marchiori, Emerson Franchini and Braulio H. M. Branco

Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091435 - 24 Apr 2025

Viewed by 1036

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Utilizing a significative sample, this study aimed to analyze body composition components in different age groups and to develop age-specific normative tables for individuals in southern Brazil. Methods: This observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study evaluated 8556 individuals of both sexes (54% females) aged 18–49. The hypotheses of the present study are related to declining fat-free mass (FFM), lean mass (LM), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and increasing fat mass (FM) and body fat percentage (BFP) during the aging process. Data were collected through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and stratified by age (18–29, 30–39, and 40–49 years), sex, and body mass index (BMI) classifications (normal weight, overweight, grade I, and grade II obesity). Following the comparison, body composition components were presented in the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th percentiles. Results: This study’s main findings indicated that FM and BFP increased with age in both sexes. Among overweight and obese individuals, elevated BFP was particularly high in obese females aged 40–49 years and in normal and overweight males. FFM, LM, and SMM were generally lower in the 40–49-year-old group, although obese females over 40 presented higher FFM and LM values. In contrast, males presented lower FFM and LM values but higher values among individuals with higher BMI. SMM was lower in overweight individuals over 40, likely reflecting muscle mass loss associated with aging. Conclusions: Based on these results, lifestyle interventions that combine nutrition and physical exercise may be recommended to mitigate these effects of aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Diet on Weight Management)

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12 pages, 215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Weight Change in Adults with Severe Mental Illness: Results from a Large Cross-Sectional Survey

by Gemma D. Traviss-Turner, Ellen Lee, Peter Pratt, Andrew J. Hill and Emily Peckham

Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1423; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091423 - 23 Apr 2025

Viewed by 631

Abstract

Background/objectives: Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) have a reduced life expectancy of 15–25 years. This is due to a number of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Levels of overweight and obesity in this group are 1.8 times higher than in the general population and diet quality is poor. Excess weight is linked to a range of serious long-term physical and mental health conditions. This paper presents the findings of a large cross-sectional survey of adults living with SMI. The survey aimed to understand the current weight, weight gain and diet quality of this group and secondly, to explore the association between weight change, diet quality, antipsychotic medication and weight management. Methods: Five hundred and twenty-nine participants (58% male, mean age 49.3) living with SMI completed the survey. Results: Results showed 42% of the sample were living with obesity and almost half reported having gained 6 kg or more at least once in their adult life. Overall, 6% of the sample reported eating no fruit or vegetables and the same proportion had the highest consumption of carbonated drinks. There was no difference by weight category. Those taking antipsychotic medication and currently managing their weight were more likely to experience weight gain or fluctuation. Conclusions: These results suggest that excess weight and poor diet quality are a major problem in adults with SMI and that current weight management provision is ineffective in addressing the specific needs of people living with SMI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Diet on Weight Management)

15 pages, 937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tailored Exercise Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome: Cardiometabolic Improvements Beyond Weight Loss and Diet—A Prospective Observational Study

by Michele Braggio, Gianluigi Dorelli, Nicola Olivato, Vito Lamberti, Maria Teresa Valenti, Luca Dalle Carbonare and Mattia Cominacini

Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050872 - 28 Feb 2025

Viewed by 2097

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors that increase the likelihood of both acute events and chronic conditions. While exercise has been shown to improve individual risk factors associated with MS; research on its effects on MS as an integrated condition remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-month Adapted Personalized Motor Activity (AMPA) program for improving the health outcomes of individuals with MS. Methods: Seventy-one sedentary participants with MS (mean age: 63 ± 9.4 years, 46.5% female) completed a 6-month intervention, incorporating moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance training. Each participant received a personalized exercise plan prescribed by a sports medicine physician. The training was monitored via telemetry to ensure safety. No dietary recommendations were provided during the intervention. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET), anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, heart rate, lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides), fasting glucose, and HbA1c. Results: Significant improvements were observed in fasting glucose (−10.6%, p < 0.001), HbA1c (−3.88%, p < 0.001), HDL cholesterol (+20.8%, p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (−25.1%, p < 0.001), and VO₂max (+8.6%, p < 0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure also decreased significantly, with reductions of −12% (p < 0.001) and −5.9% (p < 0.001), respectively. Reductions in weight and waist circumference were statistically significant but modest and clinically irrelevant, showing no correlation with improvements in cardio-metabolic parameters. Logistic regression and correlation matrix analyses were performed to identify key predictors of changes in individual risk factors. Conclusions: While personalized exercise alone may not fully control individual risk factors of metabolic syndrome, its overall effect is comparable to low-intensity pharmacological polytherapy with minimal adverse effects. These benefits appear to be independent of dietary habits, gender, and both baseline and post-intervention physical performance and anthropometric measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Diet on Weight Management)

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13 pages, 1410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Guidance on Energy Intake Based on Resting Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity: Effective for Reducing Body Weight in Patients with Obesity

by Tomoko Handa, Takeshi Onoue, Ryutaro Maeda, Keigo Mizutani, Koji Suzuki, Tomoko Kobayashi, Takashi Miyata, Mariko Sugiyama, Daisuke Hagiwara, Shintaro Iwama, Hidetaka Suga, Ryoichi Banno and Hiroshi Arima

Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020202 - 7 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3069

Abstract

Objective: In treating obesity, energy intake control is essential to avoid exceeding energy expenditure. However, excessive restriction of energy intake often leads to resting energy expenditure (REE) reduction, increasing hunger and making weight loss difficult. This study aimed to investigate whether providing nutritional guidance that considers energy expenditure based on the regular evaluation of REE and physical activity could effectively reduce body weight (BW) in patients with obesity. Methods: A single-arm, prospective interventional study was conducted on 20 patients with obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m²) at the Nagoya University Hospital for 24 weeks. REE and physical activity were regularly assessed, and the recommended energy intake was adjusted based on the values. The primary outcome was the change in BW, and the secondary outcomes included changes in REE and hunger ratings, which were assessed using a visual analog scale. Results: Eighteen participants completed the study, demonstrating a significant reduction in BW after 24 weeks (−5.34 ± 6.76%, p < 0.0001). No significant changes were observed in REE or hunger ratings. No adverse events were reported throughout the study period. Conclusions: Guidance on energy intake based on REE and physical activity was effective for reducing BW in patients with obesity without decreasing REE or increasing hunger. This approach may reduce the burden on patients with obesity while losing BW. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Diet on Weight Management)

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Review

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48 pages, 888 KiB

Open AccessReview

Lifestyle Medicine for Obesity in the Era of Highly Effective Anti-Obesity Treatment

by Deepa Sannidhi, Ruth Abeles, William Andrew, Jonathan P. Bonnet, Kenneth Vitale, Varalakshmi Niranjan, Mahima Gulati, Kaitlyn Pauly, Ryan Moran, Lydia Alexander, Cassidy Le, Suraj Rajan and Camila Romero

Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2382; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142382 - 21 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1199

Abstract

Despite recent advances in the treatment of obesity, lifestyle medicine remains foundational to the treatment of individuals with obesity, regardless of the modality chosen by the patient with the guidance of the clinician they are working with, including in conjunction with, as appropriate, anti-obesity medications and metabolic surgery. Lifestyle medicine involves the use of diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and other lifestyle modalities in the treatment of disease. Clinicians and health systems should, after a patient-centered discussion with the patient, do their best to ensure access to lifestyle treatments. Gold standard guidelines recommend intensive, multicomponent lifestyle change programs for obesity treatments with evidence-based diet and exercise counseling and established, theoretically driven behavior change components. Clinicians treating obesity should be aware of their own biases, make efforts to reduce stigmatizing experiences in their practice, and address weight stigma in their treatment plans as needed. A variety of dietary patterns can be used to support patients with obesity, and clinicians should make evidence-based but patient-centered recommendations that aim to maximize adherence. Diet and exercise can play an important role in reducing the side effects of treatment and optimizing outcomes in weight loss, attenuating the effects of metabolic adaptation, and weight maintenance. Exercise should be increased gradually to reduce injury with a goal of 200–300 min (approximately 3.3–5 h) of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise per week to maximize weight maintenance effects with exercise prescriptions customized to patients risks. A variety of practice models can be leveraged along with the use of an interdisciplinary team to provide lifestyle medicine care for those with obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Diet on Weight Management)

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