Weight Management | Healthy Weight Management | diet and exercise for weight management | Healthyr U
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Misbah Wasi

Functional Nutrition Specialist, Scientific & Regulatory Advisor for Health Supplements

Misbah Wasi is a seasoned professional in the field of Nutrition Science and Food Regulation for over 15 years. Currently, she is lendin her expertise in the area of Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals and is an active member of the Standards Review Group (SRG) - Nutraceuticals FSSAI Ms. Wasi is a post-graduate in Food and Nutrition. Certified Lead Food Safety Management Systems Auditor (FSMS, FSSC 22000) and a certified FoSTaC traine for Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals. She is also a Subject Matter Expert for ‘Food Regulations in India’ for IFLR (International Food Laws and Regulations) course at Michigan State University.

What is meant by weight management?

Weight management refers to maintaining or achieving a healthy body weight through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and lifestyle choices. It ensures that an individual attains and maintains a healthy body weight. Successful weight management helps to reach and sustain a healthy weight, which is important for overall well-being and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Consistent weight management is essential for long-term health and vitality1.


How to Manage Weight Properly?

Managing weight properly involves a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and mindful lifestyle choices. Effective weight management requires creating a balanced diet and sticking to it, along with consistent exercise. For weight control, it's important to monitor calorie intake, choose nutrient-rich foods, and stay active. Consistently managing weight with these strategies can lead to improved health and help maintain a healthy weight long-term. Effective weight management also prevents excessive weight gain and promotes overall well-being2.


What Does It Mean to Manage Weight Properly?

Managing weight properly means adopting habits that focus on maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes. It involves weight regulation by monitoring food intake and staying active to prevent excess weight gain. Healthy weight management helps reduce health risks like heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions1,3. Consistently maintaining a healthy weight is key to improving overall well-being and minimizing long-term health risks.


Why Is Maintaining a Healthy Weight Important?

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health. The importance of healthy weight lies in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure1,2. The benefits of weight management include improved energy levels, better mobility, and enhanced mental well-being. Additionally, it helps avoid the health risks of being overweight, such as joint problems and increased risk of certain cancers, promoting long-term health and vitality.



What Are the Key Factors That Affect Weight Management?

Several factors affect weight management, including diet and weight management, exercise, genetics, and lifestyle choices. A bad sleep pattern can disrupt metabolism, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, diet and weight management play a crucial role, as the foods we eat directly impact calorie intake and overall health5,6. Managing these factors is essential for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight over the long term.


How Does Diet Influence Weight Management?

Diet plays a crucial role in weight management, as healthy eating habits directly impact calorie intake and metabolism. Diet and weight management are closely linked, as consuming a balanced, nutrient-rich diet helps control hunger and promote a healthy weight4,5. Following a proper diet to maintain weight ensures the right nutrients are consumed in appropriate portions, making it easier to prevent overeating and maintain long-term weight control. Healthy eating habits are key to successful weight management.


How Can You Create a Sustainable Diet Plan?

Creating a sustainable diet plan involves choosing dietary plans for weight loss that are realistic and manageable long-term. Focus on incorporating healthy meals for weight loss, which include nutrient-dense, whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A balanced diet that suits your lifestyle can help you stay consistent. Choosing diet plans for weight loss that emphasize portion control and variety is key to achieving lasting results without feeling deprived.


How Many Calories Do You Need to Maintain or Lose Weight?

The number of calories you need to maintain or lose weight depends on factors like age, gender, activity level, and metabolism. To determine the calorie intake to maintain weight, it’s important to consider your daily energy expenditure. The recommended calories to maintain weight varies by individual, but typically, an average adult with sedentary activity needs around 1660 kcal per day for females and 2110 kcal per day for males7. To lose weight, a slight calorie deficit is required, generally 500–1000 kcal per day, aiming to achieve a safe rate of weight loss of 0.5–1.0 kg per week4.


How Important Is Exercise in Managing Weight?

Exercise is crucial in managing weight as it helps burn calories, build muscle, and boost metabolism. Exercise and weight management go hand in hand, as physical activity complements a balanced diet for effective weight control. Combining diet and exercise for weight management leads to more sustainable results8. Additionally, specific exercises to lose belly fat, like cardio and strength training, can help target stubborn areas, contributing to overall fat loss and better health.


How can Supplements help with Weight Management?

Supplements can aid in weight management by supporting metabolism, increasing fat burning, and reducing appetite. Supplements for weight management, such as fat-burning supplements, can enhance the effects of a healthy diet and exercise routine9. While they are not a substitute for lifestyle changes, a weight loss supplement can help accelerate progress when used correctly. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement to ensure safety and effectiveness.


How to Maintain a Healthy Weight Long-Term?

To maintain a healthy weight long-term, focus on consistent healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. It’s important to maintain body weight through balanced meals and regular exercise to support metabolism8. Learning how to maintain weight loss long-term involves adopting sustainable lifestyle changes, such as portion control and staying active5,6. Consistently monitoring your progress and staying motivated are key strategies to maintain a healthy weight over time and avoid regaining lost pounds.


References

  1. Bays, H., & Ballantyne, C. (2006). Adiposopathy: why do adiposity and obesity cause metabolic disease?. Clinical Lipidology and Metabolic Disorders, 1(4), 389.

  2. Subcommittee on Military Weight Management, & Committee on Military Nutrition Research. (2003). Weight Management: State of the Science and Opportunities for Military Programs.

  3. Bays, H., & Dujovne, C. A. (2006). Adiposopathy is a more rational treatment target for metabolic disease than obesity alone. Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 8(2), 144-156.

  4. Pigsborg, K., Kalea, A. Z., De Dominicis, S., & Magkos, F. (2023). Behavioral and psychological factors affecting weight loss success. Current Obesity Reports, 12(3), 223-230.

  5. Bray, G. A., Frühbeck, G., Ryan, D. H., & Wilding, J. P. (2016). Management of obesity. The Lancet, 387(10031), 1947-1956.

  6. Medic, G., Wille, M., & Hemels, M. E. (2017). Short-and long-term health consequences of sleep disruption. Nature and science of sleep, 151-161.

  7. Revised Short Summary Report- 2024, ICMR-NIN Expert Group On Nutrient Requirements For Indians, Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) And Estimated Average Requirements (EAR)-2020.

  8. Wiklund, P. (2016). The role of physical activity and exercise in obesity and weight management: Time for critical appraisal. Journal of sport and health science, 5(2), 151-154.

  9. Lyon, M. R., & Kacinik, V. (2012). Is there a place for dietary fiber supplements in weight management?. Current obesity reports, 1(2), 59-67.
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