Sydney, Feb 21: Exercise is beneficial for you, especially if you are obese or have diabetes, maintain researchers.

Daniel Green professor at The University of Western Australia School of Sports Science said although bariatric (weight loss) surgery was being promoted, exercise was still valuable for overweight and obese people. 

"Exercise is good for you whether you lose weight or not, because it can help increase muscle mass, improve artery function and decrease the risks of heart attack, stroke and diabetes," said Green, reports the Medical Journal of Australia. 

"Recent studies suggest that obese people who develop some level of fitness have a lower cardiovascular disease and death risk than those who are lean but unfit, according to a Western Australia statement. 

"Exercise is especially good at preventing diabetes in obese people, who are at higher risk of developing this disease," added Green. 

Green said experts recommended comprehensive weight management programs should be available for obese patients and those with Type 2 diabetes.