I’m always encouraging people to exercise. I always try to come up with new motivation to get people moving. Exercise is great for so many reasons and a recent study found one more reason to keep fit.
A recent study done by scientists at Oregon Health and Science University found that exercise is necessary for significant weight loss. It reported that most people need to change their diet and their exercise plan to see weight loss results. This research shows that simply dieting will not likely cause substantial weight loss. Instead, “diet and exercise must be combined to achieve this goal," explained Judy Cameron Ph.D., a senior scientist at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center, and a professor of behavioral neuroscience and obstetrics & gynecology in the OHSU School of Medicine, as well as a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.
The researchers went on to explain that it appears that the body has a natural mechanism to conserve energy by decreasing physical activity in response to a reduction in calories. I’ve seen this in my own practice. Many of my clients cut their calories way down, lose a little bit of weight and then inevitably plateau. When I recommend exercise to get past the plateau, I am often met with resistance. This research shows that exercise is necessary to achieve significant weight loss. Hopefully it will motivate some of my clients to start exercising.
The research can also be applied to community and national wellness programs. With our obesity rate so high in the United States, we really need to encourage both healthy diets and physical activity. This can be especially important in children’s programs. Childhood obesity has been on the rise for years. Programs that help children learn how to eat healthy and encourage them to exercise through sports, classes or just outdoor activities can be very helpful.
The message from this study is that you really need to change your lifestyle to achieve your weight loss goals. A quick fix or fad diet is not going to be enough. You can start slow with exercise. All you need to do is start moving. Try walking outdoors, swimming, dancing or joining an exercise class. You will most likely see your rate of weight loss increase and you will be more likely to keep it off if you continue your exercise after you have achieved your weight loss goal.
- Jennifer
If you like this article, you might also enjoy…
Sensei Talks: Go For Your Fitness Goals
Sensei Talks: Eat to Flatten Your Belly for Spring!
Labels: Diet, Exercise, Jennifer, Weight Loss
|
So true & has to be a lifestyle change. "Diets" don't work!