Exercise Adherence as a Central Barrier in Obesity Manage-ment: Practical Evidence from Individualized Short Training Protocols

Abstract

Obesity represents one of the most significant global public health challenges, with physical inactivity and low adherence to exercise programs consistently identified as major barriers to effective long-term management. Despite strong evidence supporting physical exercise as a cornerstone of obesity treatment, traditional training models frequently fail due to time constraints, lack of personalization, and limited behavioral engagement. The objective of this study was to analyze exercise adherence as a central barrier in obesity management and to discuss practical evidence supporting individualized short-duration training protocols as a viable alternative. Methodologically, a narrative literature review with a qualitative and descriptive approach was conducted using PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases. Studies published between January 2018 and September 2024 addressing obesity, exercise adherence, personalized training, and time-efficient exercise strategies were included. The findings indicate that individualized short training protocols may enhance adherence, promote behavioral consistency, and lead to meaningful improvements in body composition and health indicators. It is concluded that adherence-centered, time-efficient, and personalized exercise approaches represent a promising strategy for obesity management, highlighting the need for further applied research in real-world settings.