Weight Loss & Physical Activity
Several weight loss studies address the
role of physical exercise in losing weight and improving health. One study
also suggests that adults can exercise in several short periods during
the day to get the physical activity necessary to maintain weight loss.
Weight Loss & Exercise Study (1)
A weight loss study by Brown University School of Medicine suggested that
higher levels of activity may be needed to promote long-term weight loss
than had previously been thought. Former recommendations of burning up
to 1,000 kcal/week may not be sufficient to maintain weight loss successfully.
Data from the National Weight Control Registry-a voluntary registry of
2,500 individuals who have lost on average 60 pounds and kept it off for
more than one year-showed that expending an average of 2,800 kcal/week
(equal to about 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day) was
associated with long-term weight loss. It revealed that short bouts of
physical exercise throughout the day is as effective in maintaining weight
loss as longer bouts of physical exercise performed once a day in overweight
women. This study has practical implications because it may be easier
for many people to increase their physical activity for short intervals
during the day than to set aside a full hour for exercise.
Weight Loss & Exercise Study (2)
Another study by The Cooper Institute, Dallas, indicated that physical
exercise has benefits independent of weight loss itself. Exercise improves
cardiovascular fitness, which is directly related to decreased risk of
death from heart disease. In fact, the study showed that obese persons
who were physically fit had a lower mortality rate than lean persons who
were sedentary.
Source: 1999 Press Release: North American
Association For The Study Of Obesity
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