Exercise in Uproar
Recently, an article in a major media outlet has raised an important health question: Is exercise really an effective means for weight loss?
Jessica Lynn, H3 Director of Program Development has addressed this question with the following letter.
As a member and certified Health Fitness Specialist 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,
Jessica Lynn
Director of Program Development, Hilton Head Health
Member/Certified Health Fitness Specialist, American College of Sports Medicine
Read the article here. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions about this topic!
I’m rather disappointed that the article used such a blatant scare tactic. What people really need is another excuse to not workout (please detect the sarcasm in the last line).
I’ve found that exercise in any amount makes me feel so much better. More mental clarity. Sometimes I am more hungry, but since H3 I’ve been better at distinguishing true hunger from other emotions. Now I realize that the hungry feel is sometimes exhaustion, and I just need more sleep!
The real points that the reporter/article missed:
1) Exercise is to increase fitness, stamina, health
2) Portion control is to lose weight.
You can exercise without losing weight, and you can lose weight without exercising. If you are focusing on overall health you must do both exercise and portion control.
Obviously it is more important to have a big bang headline to sell magazines than give readers information they need to make healthy decisions. I’m just sad for the people who will read the headline and a fraction of the article and say, “See, Time Magazine said it. I’ve been wasting my time exercising.” Shame on them!
From Nicki
August 14, 2009
You hit the nail right on the head! Unfortunately, there will be those who read the article and reaffirm their negative thoughts about exercise. Until then – those of us who believe in the balance of both must spread the word! Thanks for your comments Nicki!
From Cheney
August 17, 2009