Avoid the “summer setback”: Dignity Health bariatric surgeon shares tips to stay active safely amid extreme heat in coming months

Data shows long term health impacts during seasonal slowdowns in exercise

Chandler, Ariz. (April 14, 2026) – As Arizonans anticipate the return of triple-digit summer heat in the coming months, a Dignity Health bariatric surgeon and weight loss specialist is warning of the common but often overlooked health risk for those on a weight loss journey: the summer setback. 

When extreme heat disrupts normal daily routines, many people unintentionally scale back physical activity making it harder to maintain progress. But, as Shawn Stevenson, DO, a bariatric surgeon and weight loss specialist for the Dignity Health Medical Group, explains, a shift in habits can  allow Arizonans to safely continue essential exercise during the summer months. 

“We see it every year, people fall out of their exercise routines during the summer and it can be incredibly difficult to regain that momentum,” said Dr. Stevenson. “The goal isn’t to stop exercising because it’s hot. It’s to adjust your routine so you can stay consistent and most importantly safe.”

This local challenge is echoed by new international research published in the journal The Lancet Global Health, which suggests that hotter temperatures globally may be contributing to more sedentary behavior. Experts warn that increased inactivity can have meaningful long-term impacts. 

“When it’s been over 100 degrees for days on end, it certainly can change Arizonan’s exercise habits,” said Dr. Stevenson. “However, instead of delaying workouts or avoiding them all together, it's essential to remain consistent and find safe ways to move your body. Maintaining a routine, even if it looks different in the summer, helps protect the weight loss progress you’ve already made.”

Instead of skipping workouts altogether, Dr. Stevenson recommends practical adjustments to stay active safely:

• Time it right: Aim for early mornings or evenings when temperatures are substantially cooler to help you stay consistent. Routine is one of the biggest drivers of long-term weight loss success. Adjusting your schedule helps maintain consistency. 

• Take it indoors: Climate controlled environments like gyms or at-home workouts remove a major barrier, making it easier to maintain calorie burn and avoid gaps in routine. 

• Hydrate consistently: Proper hydration supports metabolism, energy levels and performance. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and reduced activity which may slow weight loss progress. 

• Warning signs: Pushing too hard in extreme heat can lead to burnout, setbacks or a serious heat-related illness. Listening to your body and respecting heat advisories helps you avoid interruptions that can derail long-term progress or land you in the hospital with a heat-related illness.

“Your health doesn’t take the summer off,” said Dr. Stevenson. “You can still start your weight loss journey or continue on a healthy path even in the summer months if you make the adjustments to do it in a safe way.” 

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