Movement & Physical Activity

Maintaining an active life can be difficult for patients living with obesity. This can be due to a number of factors commonly associated with obesity, which may include pain, poor sleep, stigma and fear of comments from others, or the demands of managing other chronic diseases. 

One common symptom of obesity is a decline in a person’s ability to maintain their physical ability and mobility. Support and therapy to enable routine physical activity is the best way to prevent a decline in a person’s physical function and mental health. It is important to understand that this is the main reason why routine physical activity is important for people living with obesity. Burning calories is not the reason that physical activity is important.

Physical activity should be routine and enjoyable. It should include routine domestic, work and lifestyle activities. It does not have to feel like “exercise” or a hardship. In order for routines to be routines they must be enjoyable.