Obesity and Exercise

Natasha Maria James and Kristin I Stanford
Endocrine Reviews, First published online June 16, 2025, bnaf017
https://doi.org/10.1210/endrev/bnaf017

Abstract

Obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide and is projected to affect approximately half the US population by the year 2035. Obesity is a complex condition, and individuals who have obesity are at greater risk for developing associated metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Understanding the underlying factors which contribute to obesity and that impact key molecular mechanisms of metabolic organs such as adipose tissue, liver, and muscle is crucial for combating the disease. Exercise is a well-established measure to prevent or mitigate the adverse consequences of obesity, with several beneficial effects to whole-body metabolism and adaptations to metabolic tissues. This review explores the impact of obesity on the development of metabolic diseases. Specifically, we will discuss: how obesity alters metabolic function and the potential benefits of exercise; the specific effects of obesity and exercise on muscle, adipose tissue, and liver; and potential effects of pharmacotherapeutics or bariatric surgery in combination with exercise.

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