For sedentary individuals, approximately how many minutes of moderate-intensity activity are suggested to prevent weight gain?

• A. 60 minutes
• B. 80 minutes
• C. 100 minutes
• D. 120 minutes

Answer: (B)

To prevent weight gain in someone who has been mostly sedentary, you need a relatively high volume of moderate‑intensity activity to tip the energy balance in your favor. Moderate intensity means you’re breathing heavier than normal but can still talk in full sentences, like brisk walking or steady cycling. Reaching about 80 minutes of such activity each day provides enough extra energy expenditure to offset typical daily calories and helps stop gradual weight gain. It’s practical to break this into shorter bouts throughout the day, such as two 40‑minute walks or four 20‑minute sessions. Starting at a comfortable level and gradually building up improves sustainability. Among the options, approximately 80 minutes best matches the amount commonly recommended for preventing weight gain in sedentary adults, whereas the other values are either likely too low or higher than necessary for this goal.