Sport for the obese: which sports activity to choose?
In France, 17% of the adult population is now obese, i.e. more than 8 million individuals(1). The management of this chronic disease is complex because it is multifactorial. Among the measures to treat it, physical activity remains essential. But how do you get into sport when you’re obese? Some answers…
Can sport have an impact on obesity?
Obesityis considered achronic disease of nutrition, affecting the physical, psychological and social well-being of the patient. It rarely heals spontaneously. It results inexcessbodyfat andis mainly (but not exclusively) measured bywaist circumferenceand Body Mass Index (BMI). ABMIbetween 25 and 30 indicates a simpleoverweight, while beyond 30, the diagnosis of obesity can be made. It is explained by multiple factors, including a diettoo rich, asedentary lifestyle, genetic andhormonal factors, anotherunderlying diseaseandpsychological factors.
Thus, the medical management of obesity is done at several levels:
- a dietary assessmentandsupervisionin line with the objectives ofdietaryrehabilitation and weight loss;
- an analysis of daily activities, whether physical or sporting;
- psychological supportwith possible detection ofTCA (including hyperphagia) and anxio-depressive disorders;
- A complete medical check-up, to detect possible consequences associated with obesity and comorbidities – high blood pressure, dyspnea, angina, sleep apnea, joint pain, veno-lymphatic insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, diabetes…
Health authorities therefore considerthat sport, or at least physical activity, has an undeniable impact on obesity and on the health of obese patients (reduction of the risk of comorbidity).
Are there any precautions to take before starting sports?
According to the French High Authority for Health (2) , An obese person should not start a sports activity without the prior advice of a doctor. Cardiovascular risk factors must absolutely be evaluatedtag. A stress test is also recommended, although not systematic. Other points of vigilance must be taken into account, in particularJoint Healthtag. Indeed the weight of obesity tends to weaken the joints, in particular theKnees , the back, the hips and the ankles.
In addition, the resumption of physical activity must be gradual :
- , up to
- then, in the stabilization phase , endurance activity can reach 200 to 300 minutes per week , supplemented by muscle strengthening twice a week. ;
- The physical activity of daily life , such as cleaning, walking, playing with the children, climbing stairs, gardening or DIY must be maintained over the long term.
Can we practice all sports when we are obese?
Here again, the HAS weighs: not all sports can be practiced during the weight loss phase, not only because the physical condition does not allow it, but also because the obese are very often physically and morally deconditionedtag. It is therefore a question of encouraging progressive efforts and restoring a taste for sport, without too much mention of quantified objectives. The pleasure of physical effort must supplant the simple goal of losing weight.
It should be noted that patients with obesity canclaim a prescription of APA (Adapted Physical Activity), which mentions the objectives of the sports practice and the recommendations relating to the patient. The obese patient can also go to an establishment or agymworking withAPA educators. The latter arespecifically trained to supervise, both physically and psychologically, obese people inresumption of physical activity. What facilitate the process…
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.