Influence of Physical Exercise on Obesity Among Children: A Comprehensive Review Indian Journal of Youth and Adolescent Health

Abstract

Over the past several years, the prevalence of paediatric overweight and obesity has increased substantially across different sociodemographic groups. Despite growing awareness and intervention efforts, the severity of obesity among children and adolescents continues to rise, making childhood obesity a major public health concern in the 21st century. Overweight and obesity have increasingly affected low- and middle-income countries, particularly in rapidly urbanizing communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 39 million children under five years of age were overweight or obese globally. Childhood overweight and obesity have become major contributors to adverse health outcomes and, in many settings, represent a greater long-term health burden than childhood undernutrition.

Early intervention is essential in addressing childhood obesity because excess weight during childhood and adolescence may persist into adulthood and increase the likelihood of developing chronic diseases and experiencing premature mortality. Current approaches to childhood obesity management emphasize maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, reducing sedentary behaviours, and increasing regular physical activity. Physical exercise may influence several metabolic and physiological factors associated with obesity, including leptin and adiponectin concentrations, insulin sensitivity and resistance, and body-fat accumulation. Therefore, the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise are important considerations when designing effective interventions for children and adolescents with obesity.

This review focuses particularly on the differential effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and combined exercise programmes on obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents. Available evidence suggests that exercise interventions can serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk and improving metabolic health among children with obesity. An appropriate exercise programme should ideally incorporate both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, with particular emphasis on reducing excess fat mass, improving overall physical fitness, and promoting long-term adherence. Such an integrated approach may contribute substantially to the prevention and management of paediatric obesity and its associated cardiometabolic complications.

DOI: https://orcid.org/10.24321/2349.2880.202613

How to cite this article:
Amanu A, Mulisa F, Getahun D A. Influence of Physical Exercise on Obesity Among Children: A Comprehensive Review. Ind J Youth Adol Health. 2026;13(3):25-29.