Jim wrote a great response in the Warren Times Observing regarding the issue of whether exercise is an effective means for weight control. I am posting it here for anyone who might be interested in reading his letter (hope you don't mind Jim). Well written Jim. I am sure many of us here can attest to its value (weight loss aside)...how it brings people together, builds self esteem...the list goes on.
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Dear editor:
Recently, an article in Time magazine has raised an important health question: Is exercise really an effective means for weight loss?
As a member and certified professional of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and a health and exercise professional, I can affirm that the answer is a resounding yes! A vast amount of research has definitively proven that exercise, when combined with a healthy diet, results in both weight loss and maintenance of a healthy weight. ACSM just released an updated, evidence-based scientific position stand in early 2009 that proves these exact points.
Further, there is little evidence to the claim that exercising produces hunger so uncontrollable that it leads to weight gain. In fact, a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh proved just the opposite: overweight and obese women didn't eat any more food after 40 minutes of exercise than they normally would when sedentary.
Exercise does require effort, and it does require self-control. But when these are combined to form a healthy lifestyle, the rewards are beyond substantial. Economically, expenditures are reduced (the recent Weight of the Nation conference reported that obesity accounts for some $147 billion in health care costs per year); and people lead more enjoyable, more energetic and happier lives.
Even for the non-overweight, exercise provides benefits that no single pill or prescription ever could. It treats and prevents numerous chronic conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and even depression.
Exercise is a health tool we all need, regardless of our weight, and it is my sincere hope that the public takes its importance seriously. Further, advice about weight loss should come courtesy of a qualified health or fitness professional, instead of irresponsible articles that may not showcase the full realm of scientific facts surrounding the issue.
Sincerely,
Jim Roberts, Ph.D., HFS-ACSM
Warren
Member/Certified professional, American College of Sports Medicine
4 comments:
I dunno... I got hungry just reading all that.
I have referenced a similar article in the past here, and while I totally agree with Jim on all these points, the key phrase for me is "when combined with a healthy diet."
I am living proof that doing a lot of exercise does not make one slim. The only way I can lose weight is to pay strict attention to my caloric intake. If I eat what my body tells me to eat, I will remain overweight. If I am abiding by a healthy calorie-controlled diet, either when exercising or not, I will lose weight.
In fact, my quickest weight loss in the last 10 years happened when I was required to be sedentary by a nutrition study. I lost a half-pound per day while never feeling hungry.
As one of the doctors referenced in my article said, it isn't that exercise makes you hungry immediately, but you will make up the calories eventually if left to your own devices. It has been found many times, in studies ranging from days to years. No one loses weight without dietary changes. This even applied to people training for and completing marathons!
All that said, and arguments may ensue, I still think Jim has made many excellent points, and I am obviously a big fan of exercise and play, and I think we should all be doing a lot more of it for these very reasons and more.
Wait a minute, Shawn told me he lost 10 lbs doing the Tango. I saw him eat a lot and drink a lot so the only viable explanation was he lost weight due to exercise.
I would say the US Government does this experiment all the time, Basic Training. I know my dad told me during his basic training he lost almost 35 lbs. I don't think they changed his diet much and I am sure caloric intake was not reduced. Of course Grandma could cook and butter was her friend.
Final note "I am living proof that doing a lot of exercise does not make one slim". "A lot" being all the time or pouring it on like your cramming for a test you forgot about until 8 pm the night before.
Yeah, I've been there before. While in grad school (at times) I have run 40-50 miles a week and not lost a pound. The writer of the article just played a little too much with literary freedom and the desire to sell magazines rather than a "fair" look a the issue.
Well, I'm off to eat!!
PS- I had my swim lesson with the new coach (a former olympic trial qualifier and 20 something second 50m swimmer). Seemed like a good lesson to me. Time will tell.
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