Physical activity for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome and its various features (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) are increasing worldwide and constitute a severe risk for the sustainability of the present universal Italian health care system. Lifestyle interventions should be the first therapeutic strategy to prevent/treat metabolic diseases, far before pharmacologic treatment. The role of diet and weight loss has been fully ascertained, whereas the role of physical activity is frequently overlooked both by physicians and by patients. Physical activity has favorable effects on all components of the metabolic syndrome and on the resulting cardiovascular risk, the cornerstone in the development of cardiometabolic diseases. The quantity and the frequency of physical activity necessary to produce beneficial effects has not been defined as yet, but brisk walking is considered particularly appropriate, as it can be practiced by a large number of individuals, without any additional cost, and has a low rate of injury. The effects of exercise and leisure time physical activity extend from prevention to treatment of the various components of the metabolic syndrome, as well as to mood and quality of life. Any effort should be done to favor adherence to protocols of physical activity in the community.

Role of diet on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An updated narrative review

“…The type of weight loss with a traditional low fat diet or calorie restriction is still debatable. All of these studies though, have particularly in lean NAFLD patients where large weight loss cannot be systematically pursued [47,65] .…”

A standard ballroom and Latin dance program to improve fitness and adherence to physical activity in individuals with type 2 diabetes and in obesity

“…Lifestyle changes aiming at healthy diet and habitual physical activity are mandatory for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes [1], as well as in other metabolic disorders [2]. Dietary restrictions and physical activity promote weight loss, reduce the progression from prediabetes to diabetes [3], improve metabolic control and reduce the long-term risk of complications, at any stage of disease severity.…”

Web-Based Exercise as an Effective Complementary Treatment for Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Intervention Study (Preprint)

“…After the intervention, patients very quickly lose motivation and fall back into their old habits [45]. There is a strong need and a high potential for Web-based intervention designs [79,80]. Web-based interventions are essential to bridge the treatment gap between demand and supply [81,82].…”

“…should be achieved [80,84]. Growing interest in utilization of modern technologies such as computer and smartphone could for this purpose represent feasible ways to transport knowledge and care in a home based setting.…”