Effects of exercise snacks on body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on evidence from bioimpedance and DXA methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of exercise snacks (ES) on body composition in adults. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, FMRS, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to May 2025, supplemented by backward and forward citation tracking. Eight articles comprising nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed that ES interventions produced a statistically significant improvement in lean mass (MD = 0.52 kg, 95% CI: 0.13–0.91, p = 0.01). In contrast, no statistically significant effects were observed for body fat (MD = −0.04%, 95% CI: −0.73–0.65, p = 0.91) or body mass (MD = 0.03 kg, 95% CI: −0.53–0.60, p = 0.91). The findings support that ES interventions can enhance lean body mass. However, there is currently no convincing evidence that ES reduces body fat. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420250651818). Systematic Review Registration identifier CRD420250651818