The effects of exercise interventions on weight regain after weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 42331977 · doi:10.1038/s41598-026-57804-8
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251240526) following PRISMA guidelines. They searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI through October 19, 2025, for randomized controlled trials testing exercise interventions during the weight-maintenance phase after weight loss in individuals with overweight or obesity. Risk of bias was evaluated with Cochrane RoB 2.0.
What was found
Across 11 randomized trials with 568 participants, exercise interventions resulted in significantly less weight regain compared to controls (mean difference = -2.81 kg, 95% CI: -5.12 to -0.51 kg; I² = 0%). The effect on fat-mass reduction was not statistically significant and had high heterogeneity (mean difference = -3.39 kg, 95% CI: -7.24 to 0.46 kg; I² = 69%).
Why it matters
Exercise provides a modest but consistent benefit for limiting weight regain after intentional weight loss, though its specific impact on maintaining fat-mass loss remains uncertain.
Limits
The total sample size was relatively small (568 participants across 11 studies). Fat-mass outcomes were inconclusive and showed substantial heterogeneity. The abstract does not specify participant demographics, exercise types or intensities, adherence rates, or intervention durations.
Cited by
- supports Meta-analyses and research studies show that individuals who exercise during a weight-loss program are consistently better at maintaining long-term fat loss over weeks to years.