The Impact of Exercise Training on Psychological Outcomes, Body Composition, and Quality of Life in Overweight or Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background

Overweight and obesity are associated with adverse psychological outcomes, compromised body composition, and reduced quality of life (QoL). While exercise training has been proposed as an effective intervention, its impact on these outcomes remains unclear.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of exercise training on psychological outcomes, body composition, and QoL in overweight or obese adults.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed through July 2024, utilizing multiple databases. Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Thirty-one trials involving 2779 participants were included. Exercise training significantly improved mental health (SMD: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.39, p = .0003), depression (SMD: -0.52, 95% CI: -0.86, -0.18, p = .003), mood (SMD: 7.55, 95% CI: 10.78, 4.31, p < .00001), waist circumference (MD: -2.77 cm, 95% CI: -4.60, -0.94, p = .003), and lean body mass (MD: 1.16 kg, 95% CI: 0.62, 1.69, p < .0001). Improvements were also observed in various QoL domains, including social functioning (p = .004), physical functioning (p < .00001), vitality (p = .003), general health (p = .001), and environmental quality (p < .00001). However, some psychological, body composition, and QoL variables did not show significant effects.

Conclusion

Exercise training positively impacts psychological outcomes, body composition, and multiple QoL domains in overweight and obese adults. These findings highlight the importance of exercise in lifestyle interventions. Further research is needed to determine long-term and consistent effects.