Exercise during and after very-low-calorie dieting.
Neither diet nor exercise are effective as single modes of intervention in the treatment of obesity. Although it is logical that they be combined in the context of multidisciplinary treatment, restrictions in calorie or protein intakes while dieting may impair short-term or long-term function. The limited evidence available indicates that properly constituted very-low-calorie diets can effectively preserve physical function across major weight loss, but long-term preservation of this weight loss is strongly influenced by postdiet exercise habits. In summary, counseling on and initiation of safe and effective exercise practices during dietary treatment of obesity are appropriate, but the ultimate goal should be to direct the patient towards lifelong exercise behaviors that will contribute to sustained weight maintenance.
Phinney
S D
SD
Division of Clinical Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
D004038:Diet, Reducing; D002149:Energy Intake; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000628:therapy*