Physical Activity: Systematic Reviews | World Obesity Federation

Physical Activity: Systematic Reviews

Below, we have summarised a series of systematic reviews from around the world. 

These reviews synthesise the research evidence on the role of physical activity and exercise in the prevention, treatment, and management of obesity. Read some of the latest available evidence to support the development of coherent, robust, and evidence-based policies and interventions.  

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of exercise on psychosocial outcomes in adults with obesity

Through randomised-control trials, this paper focuses on the effect of exercise on psychosocial outcomes in adults with obesity.

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A systematic review into city interventions to address obesity

To address the obesity epidemic and incentivise physical activity, city-wide interventions that leverage urban planning to improve access to safe, green space are important This systematic review identifies interventions at the individual, community, and city levels that are needed to address obesity.

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Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for overweight and obesity during pregnancy

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify and summarise the evidence for the effectiveness of physical activity (PA) interventions on PA levels for pregnant women with overweight and obesity, with an emphasis on employed behaviour change techniques.

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A systematic review of physical activity and exercise interventions on body mass indices, subsequent physical activity, and psychological symptoms in overweight and obese adolescents

The aim of the systematic review was to examine the effects of physical activity and exercise interventions on body mass index, subsequent physical activity, and psychological symptoms for adolescents living with overweight and obesity aged 12-18 years old.

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Role of Physical Activity and Fitness in the Characterization and Prognosis of the Metabolically Healthy Obesity Phenotype

The systematic review analysed the existing evidence on differences in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength between people living with obesity but who do not have dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes, and their counterparts.

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Exercise and adiposity in overweight and obese children and adolescents

This systematic review aims to determine both the effects and hierarchy of effectiveness for exercise interventions (aerobic, strength training, or both) on selected measures of adiposity (body mass index in kg/m2, fat mass, and percent body fat) in children and adolescents living with overweight or obesity.

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Smartphone-Based Health Program for Improving Physical Activity and Tackling Obesity for Young Adults

This study aimed to measure the effects of mobile smartphone-based health programs on physical activity and obesity outcomes in young adults through a systematic review and meta-analyses.

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Effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive performance of overweight or obese children and adolescents

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive performance in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity.

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School-Based Intervention Programs for Preventing Obesity and Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness

This systematic review examines “the possibility of school-based interventions on promoting physical activity and physical fitness as well as preventing obesity.”

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Physical activity interventions in the prevention and treatment of paediatric obesity

The systematic review summarises the evidence on physical activity interventions for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

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Effective behaviour change techniques for physical activity and healthy eating in overweight and obese adults; systematic review and meta-regression analyses

This systematic review aims to explain the heterogeneity in results of interventions to promote physical activity and healthy eating for adults with overweight and obesity, by exploring the differential effects of behaviour change techniques and other intervention characteristics.

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School-based interventions promoting both physical activity and healthy eating in Europe

The purpose of this study to systematically review the evidence of school‐based interventions targeting dietary and physical activity behaviour in primary (6–12 years old) and secondary school (12–18 years old) children in Europe.

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Effects of physical exercise during pregnancy on maternal and infant outcomes in overweight and obese pregnant women

The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to assess the effect of physical exercise on maternal and infant outcomes in pregnant women with overweight obesity.

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Influence of physical activity at a young age and lifetime physical activity on the risks of 3 obesity-related cancers

The present systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies were performed to determine whether physical activity at a young age and lifetime physical activity may lower the risks of breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer.

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Effect of physical exercise on weight loss and physical function following bariatric surgery

The meta-analysis aimed to determine whether engaging in exercise after bariatric surgery can provide additional weight loss and improvement in physical function.

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