Combined dietary and exercise interventions for body composition and metabolic outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity: a systematic review

Maulida Ulfah* -  Department of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
Nia N. Wirawan -  Department of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
Nurul Muslihah -  Department of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
DOI : 10.30867/action.v11i3.3266

Obesity is a global public health crisis with a rising prevalence in Southeast Asia and substantial consequences for adult health and cardiometabolic risk. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined dietary and physical activity interventions on body composition and metabolic biomarkers in adults with overweight or obesity. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, and MDPI for peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025, focusing on randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental designs. Nine RCTs (2022-2025) were included, which generally reported reductions in BMI and body fat percentage. Favorable changes have been reported across several combined dietary and physical activity approaches. Positive changes in metabolic health, including reduced fasting glucose levels and improved lipid profiles, have also been reported. Interventions showed flexible delivery, including online programs that are feasible in Southeast Asian contexts. These findings suggest that combined dietary and physical activity interventions may improve selected body composition and metabolic outcomes; however, direct evidence from occupational settings remains limited. Future research should assess long-term adherence, sustainability, and context-specific implementation, particularly in under-represented populations.

Keywords : Body composition, cardiometabolic risk, diet therapy, exercise, obesity

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Open Access Copyright (c) 2026 Maulida Ulfah, Nia N. Wirawan, Nurul Muslihah
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AcTion: Aceh Nutrition Journal
Published by: Department of Nutrition at the Health Polytechnic of Aceh, Ministry of Health.
Soekarno-Hatta Street, No. 168. Health Polytechnic of Aceh, Aceh Besar, 23352. Telp/Fax: 0651 46126 / 0651 46121.
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