Aerobic Exercise and Weight Loss in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis
Authors' conclusion
In this meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, engaging in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week was associated with modest reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat measures among adults with overweight or obesity. However, aerobic training exceeding 150 minutes per week at moderate intensity or greater may be needed to achieve clinically important reductions.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with overweight or obesity; 61% female, mean age 46 years
- Participants
- 6,880 adults116 RCTs
- Comparison
- Aerobic exercise vs control
- Outcome
- Body weight, waist circumference, body fat
Methodological detailsrandom-effects, PRISMA, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)
- Random-effects
- PRISMA
- GRADE
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Adiposity per 30 min/week aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise vs ControlEstimate (95% CI)
26 trials, GRADE high
mean difference visceral adipose tissue area −1.60 cm²(−2.12 to −1.07)
27 trials, GRADE moderate
mean difference subcutaneous adipose tissue area −1.37 cm²(−1.82 to −0.92)
- 109 trials, GRADE moderate
- MD body weight −0.52 kg (95% CI −0.61 to −0.44)
- 62 trials, GRADE high
- MD waist circumference −0.56 cm (95% CI −0.67 to −0.45)
- 65 trials, GRADE moderate
- MD body fat percentage −0.37 % (95% CI −0.43 to −0.31)
Further pooled results
| Outcome | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Quality of lifeAerobic exercise vs Control · 1 trial, 80 participants, GRADE low | SMD physical 1.69 SD (95% CI 1.18–2.20) |
| Quality of lifeAerobic exercise vs Control · 1 trial, 80 participants, GRADE low | SMD mental 0.74 SD (95% CI 0.29–1.19) |
Safety
Mild to moderate AEs, mostly musculoskeletal symptoms
- Aerobic exercise associated with modestly increased mild to moderate AEs
- 2 more events per 100 participants (risk difference; 95% CI, 1 to 2 more)
- GRADE = low
Original publication
Aerobic Exercise and Weight Loss in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open. Published 2 December 2024. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →