Sunday, April 4, 2010

health is more than weight

An interesting study suggests that women in their fifties can maintain their weight with seven hours of moderate exercise a week, less time if the exercise is more vigorous. I don't think this means it's a good idea to be a weekend warrior by going on epic walks or bike rides on a Saturady or Sunday and calling it good. It seems this study's finding is more about getting moderate exercise for about an hour a day.

One major drawback in this research is that diet was not taken into account. Also, exercise plays a role in mood elevation so maybe women who exercise an hour a day don't do as much emotional eating to counter feelings of stress or loneliness. They could also be less likely to be taking anti-anxiety or anti-depression medication which can lead to weight gain.

Source: How Much Exercise Will Prevent Weight Gain?


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7 comments:

Jody - Fit at 52 said...

Interesting comment you made at the end Lee. I know for me, the older I get, the harder it is & the more diligent I have to be with exercise AND food. I did a post on this last week, I believe. But that mental part is key too!

jelani khalfani said...

I agree when you say fitness is more than weight. Too many people base their fitness level on how much they weigh. There are many 'skinny' people who are not healthy. Great post!

Amanda said...

I am 44, and have been battling my weight my entire life. I do agree with you that the study done was a little quirky because it didn't consider your diet. I know in my head that in order to lose weight, I need to burn more calories than I take in. Seems easy, but millions of us know it's NOT.

Cheryl Chamberlain said...

I truly believe a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, which may be why anti-anxiety and anti-depressants aren't needed. Very interesting study. Thanks!

Nadya said...

It's all so connected, isn't it?
I'm almost 60, & since going Gluten Free last summer, I've lost 15#! I also began using coconut oil for cooking, & recently began making coconut milk kefir.
Last night I attended a talk on mental health & food allergies, specifically, gluten 'issues' - the speaker, an RN specializing in Gluten Free living, described her pre-gluten free legs as "Polish Potato Picker Legs" (& pitting edema!) - she's in her mid 40s, & lost 35# - we were both wearing 'slim jeans!'
When she went GF, Nadine was losing her hair, had periferal neuropathy, etc. etc. It wasn't just the pounds, but her whole health at stake! She said any weight issues - from overweight to Anorexia, can be linked to Gluten sensitivity on some level. Often the mental health issues manifest long before 'gut' problems, though many folks feel bad 'all the time,' & after going off gluten, are amazed that they actually feel GOOD.
Her site is glutenfreern.com

Lee said...

Jody - I often think about one thing you say: how as you move past 50 that adjustments to both diet & exercise need to be made. Cant' keep doing the same & expect the same results.

jelani - absolutely! And there are people who look overweight who are incredibly strong & healthy both physically & emotionally.

Amanda - couldn't agree more.

cher & Dia - very true...it is all connected. ~mind~body~spirit~

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