Thursday Fit Fact How Much Does Exercise Influence Weight Loss? It is rare for health professionals to prescribe a weight lose formula based on diet alone, and without the benefit of exercise. Exercise is such a critical component of long-term weight loss and maintenance that it is recommended by the American Heart Association, the American College of Sports Medicine and numerous government health agencies as part of any weight loss program. Barring health conditions that restrict physical activity, you should incorporate exercise into your weight loss plans Energy Balance Weight loss is essentially an energy balance equation that requires you to consume fewer calories than you expend. To lose 1 lb., create an energy deficit of 3,500 calories. Exercise allows you to burn calories in excess of what your body needs for daily maintenance. The more calories you expend, the closer you get to creating the deficit necessary for weight loss. Benefits Long-term exercise changes body composition, turning fat into muscle. This change increases metabolism, meaning that you will burn more calories every day, even at rest. Along with weight loss, physical activity has added benefits, such as reducing stress and lowering cholesterol. Weight Loss and Maintenance Exercise is such a critical component of weight loss that the National Weight Control Registry, a database tracking over 5,000 individuals who have lost weight and kept it off, report that 94 percent of the group increased their physical activity to lose an average of 66 lbs. One of the biggest predictors of weight regain is a drop in physical activity. Recommendations Getting 60 to 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity most days of the week to lose weight and maintain that loss is recommended. Men over age 40, women over age 50 and those with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or osteoporosis, should consult a physician before beginning vigorous activity
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 13:03:16 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015