What is more effective for weight loss: continuous or intermittent exercise? with or without dieting? A review based on evidence

Abstract

Study design: Systematic literature review Objective: To present scientific evidence about the type of aerobic exercise (Continuous vs. Intermittent) that results in better effects on reducing body weight. Methodology: Literature review was performed on Pubmed, Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, Ebsco Host and Scopus of articles from the year 2000. Results: The combination of aerobic exercise and caloric restriction can maximize weight loss in overweight individuals. By comparing the two types of aerobic exercises, most evidence suggests superiority of intermittent exercise compared to continuous exercise in weight loss. Conclusion: Interventions performed with restricted diet combined with exercise programs performed from three to six times weekly, preferably intermittent, from moderate to high intensity, showed more significant results for weight loss compared to continuous exercise.