**6.1 Exercise testing**

Exercise testing is often not necessary in the overweight/obese population prior to beginning a low-to-moderate intensity exercise program. Overweight and obese individuals are at risk for other comorbidities (*e.g.*, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia), which are associated with CVD risk. The timing


*rating of perceived exertion; VO2R, oxygen uptake reserve.*

#### **Table 4.** *FITT principle for obesity.*

of intake of medications to treat comorbidities relative to exercise testing should be kept in mind, particularly in those who take β-blockers and antidiabetic medications. Low exercise capacities in individuals who are overweight and obese may necessitate a low initial workload (*i.e.*, 2–3 METs) and a step wise increase as per testing stage of 0.5–1.0 MET. Exercise equipment must be adequate to meet the weight specification of individuals with overweight and obesity for safety and calibration purposes. The appropriate cuff size should be used to measure BP in overweight and obese individuals to minimize the potential for inaccurate measurement.
