Exercise adherence and effects in obesity

Aim: Examining the effects of exercise adherence in individuals with obesity may offer insights for developing new approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate exercise adherence rates, associated factors, and the effects of exercise on obesity. Material and Methods: Individuals admitted to the Multidisciplinary Obesity Unit were included in the study. Participants underwent a 12-week group program. At the beginning and end of the program, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life Questionnaire (IWOQ-Lite) were administered, and adherence to the exercise program was recorded. Results: The changes in IPAQ-SF and IWOQ-Lite is statistically significant (p<0.05). A negative correlation was found between age and change in the IWOQ-Lite (r=-0.330, p=0.002), while a positive correlation was identified between exercise compliance and change in the IWOQ-Lite (r=0.545, p<0.001). No correlation was found between Body Mass Index (BMI), obesity severity, and changes in the IWOQ-Lite (r=-0.144, p=0.251; r=-0.087, p=0.491, respectively). None of the parameters such as age, gender, BMI marital status, active employment status, BMI, obesity severity and comorbidities were identified as independent risk factors for exercise adherence (p>0.05). Discussion: Exercise adherence is low among individuals with obesity. Physical activity levels and quality of life can be improved by adhering to a multidisciplinary program.