Role of exercise in the management of obesity

Abstract

The role of exercise in the management of canine and feline obesity is poorly understood. Inactivity predisposes to the development of canine obesity based on multiple epidemiological studies examining risk factors. Reduced exercise is a risk factor for canine obesity. One study identified a 4% reduction in the risk of obesity for each hour of weekly exercise. Owner habits and attitudes influence an animal's physical activity and could contribute to increased obesity risk, if causality between a reduction in activity and a subsequent increase in body weight were proven. The link between exercise and obesity management in humans has been more extensively investigated than in dogs or cats. The cardiovascular effects of obesity may be mitigated by exercise in humans, whereas the actual effects of activity on measured weight loss are minimal. A number of comorbidities are associated with canine or feline obesity, which are described in detail elsewhere, and are potentially relevant to exercise protocols recommended for obese patients.