Exercício físico e obesidade: prescrição e benefícios

Abstract

Obesity is associated with many complications and higher risk of mortality. Changing the lifestyle is one of the fundamental interventions for improvement of the clinical condition in these patients, being the physical exercise one of the components. The objective of this study was to perform a literature review about physical exercise in adults and the elderly with obesity, describing the main exercise programs, the proper form of prescription and the benefits of its regular practice. Aerobic exercise is the most indicated modality for weight loss and is associated with higher benefits for these patients. Additionally, it has been recommended resistance training as a complementary therapy. To achieve the benefits of the regular practice of physical exercise, the literature suggests the performing of aerobic exercises from moderate to high intensity for at least 150 minutes per week and when possible, the implementation of resistance training, 2 to 3 times a week, with a load of 60-70% of one-repetition maximum. Therefore, individualized prescription of physical exercise for the obese patient represents an effective strategy for weight loss, treatment and control of cardiovascular risk factors, in addition to promotes benefits in the symptoms and other complications.