Summary of main points.
• There is a variety of factors which influence the fat loss response to exercise:
Fixed (age, gender, genetics, race) or variable (climate, diet, degree of obesity, fitness level). Exercise parameters (frequency, amount, time and type) can also alter the fat loss response within this range of influencing factors.
The general indications for physical activity for fat loss is becoming clear that general prescriptions, while necessary, are insufficient alone as there is a variety of different responses to exercise within individuals and groups of individuals. One main influencing factor discussed previously is gender, with females having a lower fat loss response to exercise than males. There are a variety of other factors which can also significantly influence prescriptions for exercise for fat loss. These can be divided into ‘fixed’ and Variable’ factors. A third influencing factor is differences in prescribed exercise parameters.
There is a general need for more physical activity in anyone needing to reduce body fat, but the frequency, amount, time and type of activity can vary according to fixed and variable factors appropriate to the individual. While there is no strict science associated with this type of individual prescription at the moment, there are certain guidelines which can assist those working in the area in preparing individualised prescription.
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