Unraveling the Multifaceted Benefits of Physical Exercise: A Comprehensive Review of Body Composition, Metabolic Regulation, and Systemic Health

Shengxuan Zhang¹Inmaculada Xu Lou¹Sammit Vishram Deshpande²Lei Sun¹Ali Hamza³Kamran Ali⁴Qilan Chen^1*

• ¹Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
• ²Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
• ³University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
• ⁴International Institutes of Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China

Obesity, a significant comorbidity for various cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, demands individualized and effective management strategies. Without appropriate intervention, obesity can severely compromise an individual's health. Achieving weight management is feasible through the application of evidence-based knowledge and sustained commitment. Incorporating diverse forms of physical exercise can optimize outcomes for affected individuals. In fact, dietary regulation remains the cornerstone of any weight management program, especially among adolescents and adults facing modern lifestyle challenges. When paired with an exercise regimen aimed at reducing adipose tissue, this combined approach effectively facilitates weight control. Moreover, obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and is closely linked to numerous metabolic disorders, including the highly prevalent Diabetes Mellitus. This connection is largely attributable to obesity's profound impact on hormonal regulation, particularly in the development of insulin resistance. For individuals who are unable to manage their weight through conventional means, bariatric surgery may be considered in advanced cases. However, post-surgical care—comprising proper dietary management and regular physical exercise—is essential for achieving and maintaining favorable outcomes. In this literature review, The findings reveal that different modalities of physical exercise influence weight loss, adipose tissue reduction, body composition, metabolism, physical capacity, cardiorespiratory function, insulin regulation, inflammation, psychological adaptations, hormonal balance, and gut microbiota, as well as factors related to pregnancy and aging. Notably, the benefits derived from physical exercise vary according to the specific type of activity performed. It is crucial to align the program with the individual's specific therapeutic objectives.