The Impact of Exercise Training on Psychological Outcomes, Body Composition, and Quality of Life in Overweight or Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of exercise training on psychological outcomes, body composition, and quality of life (QoL) in overweight or obese adults. Analyzing 31 randomized controlled trials with 2,779 participants, the study found that exercise significantly improved mental health, depression, mood, waist circumference, lean body mass, and several QoL domains including social and physical functioning, vitality, general health, and environmental quality. Aerobic and combined exercise modalities were particularly effective for mental health and QoL improvements, while resistance training showed selective benefits. However, exercise did not significantly affect anxiety, motivation, body weight, BMI, fat mass, or waist-to-hip ratio, indicating that its benefits may be outcome-specific. The findings support incorporating structured exercise into obesity management but highlight the need for larger, longer-term studies to confirm sustained effects.