There is strong evidence that overweight or obese individuals can get healthier by becoming more active, regardless of how much weight they lose. A weight loss as small as 5% can improve a patient's cardiovascular health and quality of life which in turn reduce some of the risks associated with obesity.

A study of over 1000 Puerto Rican women found that active overweight or obese women have a lower death rate than their sedentary counterparts. Many guidelines recommend that adults participate in 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity five or more days per week.