Weight loss and weight control

[Guest guest]

Weight loss and weight control through exercise and physical activity

Exercise helps to control your weight by using excess calories that

otherwise would be stored as fat. your body weight is regulated by

the number of calories you eat and use each day. Everything you eat

contains calories, and everything you do uses calories, including

sleeping, breathing, and digesting food. Any physical activity in

addition to what you normally do will use extra calories.

Regular exercise is an important part of effective weight loss and

weight maintenance. It also can help prevent several diseases and

improve your overall health. It does not matter what type of

physical activity you perform--sports, planned exercise, household

chores, yard work, or work-related tasks--all are beneficial.

Studies show that even the most inactive people can gain significant

health benefits if they accumulate 30 minutes or more of physical

activity per day. Research consistently shows that regular physical

activity, combined with healthy eating habits, is the most efficient

and healthful way to control your weight. Whether you are trying to

lose weight or maintain it, you should understand the important role

of physical activity and include it in your lifestyle.

Balancing the calories you use through physical activity with the

calories you eat will help you achieve your desired weight

a) When you eat more calories than you need to perform your day's

activities, your body stores the extra calories and you gain weight

When you eat fewer calories than you use, your body uses the

stored calories and you lose weight.

c) When you eat the same amount of calories as your body uses, your

weight stays the same.

Any type of physical activity you choose to do--strenuous activities

such as running or aerobic dancing or moderate-intensity activities

such as walking or household work--will increase the number of

calories your body uses. The key to successful weight control and

improved overall health is making physical activity a part of your

daily routine.