Current Exercise Recommendations, Weight Loss and Overweight Women

Filed in archive Diet , Studies , Weight Loss , Women's Health on July 28, 2008

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Marcus Miranda

As reported in the July 28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, overweight and obese women may need to exercise 55 minutes a day for five days per week to sustain a weight loss of 10 percent over two years - on top of limiting calories.

Thereby suggesting that the current exercise recommendations is not sufficient in sustaining weight loss in obese women.

"Among obese adults, long-term weight loss and prevention of weight regain have been less than desired. Therefore, there is a need for more effective interventions.

Current recommendations prescribe 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week, for a total of 150 minutes per week. However, a growing consensus suggests that more exercise may be needed to enhance long-term weight loss.

Okay...am getting this right? Less calories and a LOT more exercise is necessary. Otherwise more effective interventions are necessary. Maybe the study authors meant lap-band surgery?

Sometimes this is like a 'dead end'. The fact remains that being overweight and obese is like a health hazard to women. The condition just makes all at higher risk of far more serious conditions.

However, if dietary changes, lifestyle changes and exercise combined still isn't enough? I'm just at a loss where that puts us all. I honestly think that more invasive procedures (such as lap-band surgery) doesn't come without a price.

Anyways, read more about this report from JAMA and Archives Journals.