I just read this article in the Science Daily about a recent study. The study compared the weight loss of :
- People on Weight Watchers who did not exercise, to the weight loss of
- People who exercised but did not “diet”.
Results
The study found that the:
- Weight Watchers group: Lost more weight, but that weight was both fat and lean tissue (muscle)
- Exercise group: Lost less weight, but the weight they did lose was mostly intra-abdominal fat
Lessons learned
To lose weight you need to adopt a balanced, calorie-controlled nutrition plan. However, if you want that weight to be only fat and not muscle, then you must incorporate exercise.
Strength training is very important to permanent weight loss. Strength training allows you to maintain or build upon the muscle you already have. Muscles are important to maintaining your metabolism and burning fat. Especially the most dangerous fat, which is the visceral, intra-abdominal fat.
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Dr. Kal,
You are so right. I wish you could speak directly to my mother who is currently on weight watchers. She is adamant that weight watchers is the most convenient way for her to lose weight and she fails to understand the importance of incorporating regular exercise. Hopefully, she’ll get more involved in your blog. It’s very helpful.
-Jason
Jason, tell your mom that exercise, especially strength training, is important as she get older, so that she can maintain muscle and prevent her metabolism from slowing down.
Dr. Kal, it’s that old adage of you can be skinny but you can also be “skinny-fat”. You may be losing weight and down quite a bit of weight but who wants to be a lower number on the scale but still have the fat hanging and no muscle? I’d rather be heavier and STRONG.
Anonymous Fat Girl´s last blog ..An open letter to YOU from my personal trainer
AFG,
exactly! That’s why I stop focusing on my weight, and started focusing on my waist.