title: Physical activity: an important adaptative mechanism for body-weight control.
abstract: We review the current concepts about energy expenditure and evaluate the physical activity (PhA) in the context of this knowledge and the available literature. Regular PhA is correlated with low body weight and low body fat mass. The negative fat balance is probably secondary to this negative energy balance. Nonexercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) and physical activity, that is crucial for weight control, may be important in the physiology of weight change. An intriguing doubt that remains unresolved is whether changes in nutrient intake or body composition secondarily affect the spontaneous physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Center of Obesity and Eating Disorders, Stella Maris Mediterraneum Foundation, C/da S. Lucia, Chiaromonte, 80035 Potenza, Italy.
authors.forename: Carmine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Finelli
authors.affiliation: Center of Obesity and Eating Disorders, Stella Maris Mediterraneum Foundation, C/da S. Lucia, Chiaromonte, 80035 Potenza, Italy.
authors.forename: Saverio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gioia
authors.affiliation: Center of Obesity and Eating Disorders, Stella Maris Mediterraneum Foundation, C/da S. Lucia, Chiaromonte, 80035 Potenza, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicolina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: La Sala