Regular physical activity is important for good health, and is a useful tool in a healthy weight loss or weight management program. When losing weight, more physical activity increases the number of calories your body uses for energy. The burning of calories through physical activity, combined with reducing the number of calories you eat, creates a “calorie deficit” that results in weight loss.

Physical activity helps to:

• Maintain weight though increased caloric output
• Maintain weight through increased metabolism due to increase in lean mass
• Reduce risk of high blood pressure
• Reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer
• Reduce arthritis pain and associated disability
• Reduce risk for osteoporosis and falls
• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety

How much physical activity do I need?

When it comes to weight management, people vary greatly in how much physical activity they need. Here are some guidelines to follow:

To maintain your weight. Work your way up to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent mix of the two each week. Strong scientific evidence shows that physical activity can help you maintain your weight over time. However, the exact amount of physical activity needed to do this is not clear since it varies greatly from person to person. It is possible that you may need to do more than the equivalent of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to maintain your weight.

To lose weight and keep it off. You will need a high amount of physical activity unless you also adjust your diet and reduce the amount of calories you are eating and drinking. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight requires both regular physical activity and a healthy eating plan.

Moderate- vs Vigorous-Intensity

Moderate: While performing physical activity, if your breathing and heart rate are noticeably faster but you can still carry on a conversation, it is probably moderately intense. Examples include:

• Walking briskly (a 15-minute mile).
• Light yard work (raking/bagging leaves or using a lawn mower).
• Light snow shoveling.
• Actively playing with children.
• Biking at a casual pace.

Vigorous: If your heart rate is increased substantially, and you are breathing too hard and fast to have a conversation, it is probably vigorously intense. Examples include:

• Jogging/running.
• Swimming laps.
• Rollerblading/inline skating at a brisk pace.
• Cross-country skiing.
• Most competitive sports (football, basketball, or soccer).
• Jumping rope.