Abstract des Autors

This review of the literature focuses on the role of nutrition and exercise in body weight management. Body weight and body composition will remain stable over time if the energy intake is equal to energy expenditure and the composition of the diet matches the composition of the fuel used for metabolic reactions. A reduction of energy intake through diet will result in body weight loss at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the negative energy balance. However, in most cases it is difficult to maintain the desired body size and composition through diet, since resting metabolic rate and muscle mass are reduced and also a low calorie diet is extremely difficult to be followed for a very long period. Exercise is an indispensible tool for body weight control. The combination of diet and exercise in a weight loss programme results in a safer and quicker fat loss while muscle mass is maintained or even increased. Nutrition must provide adequate amounts of protein and carbohydrate, while fat content must be reduced. If carbohydrate intake is very low, muscle glycogen and exercise capacity will be reduced, and health problems may arise. Long-term control of body weight and body composition requires the combination of a well balanced nutrition and regular exercise. Verf.-Referat