The goal of treatment for obesity is weight loss. Exercise is an essential part of any weight-loss program and should become a permanent part of your lifestyle. The benefits of exercise can include:

• burning off calories and losing weight
• maintaining muscle tone
• increasing your metabolic rate (the amount of calories your body burns 24 hours a day)
• improving circulation
• improving heart and lung function
• increasing your sense of self-control
• reducing your level of stress
• increasing your ability to concentrate
• improving your appearance
• reducing depression
• suppressing your appetite
• helping you sleep better
• preventing diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
• decreasing your risk of some cancers, such as breast, ovary, and colon cancer