BBC: Dieters do calories, not exercise

[Labarum]

Dieters do calories, not exercise

Twice as many dieters count calories to lose weight rather than exercise, a poll has found.

Calorie counting is most popular with women - half opt to count their food intake, compared with a third of men.

Yet 59% of the 2,000 people surveyed by GlaxoSmithKline Nutritional Healthcare realised exercise makes the greater contribution to personal health.

More choice in low-calorie foods means people are giving up exercise in favour of consuming less, nutritionists say.

John Brewer, GSK Sports Scientist, said: "The trend of people swapping the gym for a low calorie meal is very worrying.

"Consuming fewer calories is no substitute for exercise. We cannot afford to become a nation of calorie-counting couch potatoes - the benefits of leading active lives are enormous."

Graham Neale of GSK Nutritional Healthcare said diet food manufacturers had a responsibility to consumers.

He said: "With food and drink manufacturers broadening their 'diet' ranges, we need a concerted effort to encourage consumers to focus as much on 'energy out' as 'energy in'."

Little and often

Charlene Shoneye, research dietician at Weight Concern, said: "I'm not surprised by the results.

"A lot of people find the idea of going to the gym quite daunting and so reducing calorie intake seems to be an easier option.

"A recent survey found only 12% of the population are gym members.

"We promote physical activity as opposed to going to the gym per se. Things like taking the stairs instead of using the lift and walking when ever possible to increase your energy expenditure throughout the day.

"The recommendation is 60 minutes of activity a day. That can be done in smaller slots.

"There are so many low calorie, low fat products out there...and calorie counting is important, but so is exercising.

"Physical activity has health benefits other than weight loss."


Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/h...th/6183799.stm

[sallyseachange]

I used to believe that exercise was less important to weight loss than diet, so I can belive this article. Was amazed how my thinking changed once I started exercising routinely. Can't say I like it...but it certainly works!
Thanks Brian.

[angelstar]

I think that as a nation, we are overworked, underpaid and stressed out. By the time we get home the last thing we want to do it go to a gym or cook a healthy meal from scratch. I think this is a contributing factor to why people in the UK are becoming overweight, relying on junk food and binge drinking to relieve stress. Reports say that people who work in the UK have fewer holidays and work more hours per week than most other countries in Europe. No wonder we're consuming more alcohol and junk food than ever.
So people buy 'diet junk food' products. Still eating cakes and biscuits and crisps but they think they are helping their bodies because the product is lower in fat/calories. WRONG! We need to eat healthy, fresh, wholesome, nutritious food. Like Atkins tells us. Meat, dairy and veggies, all the rungs of OWL, having alcohol and the occassional treat in moderation. That is a healthy diet, combined with exercise.

[Labarum]

I agree, Angel. I wonder how we in UK compare in working hours and stress levels to those in USA?

My problem, Sally, is the more I exercise (cycle) the more hungry I get. Net result - static weight!

I have some fatty flabby bits to loose yet, but what the final weight will be is a mystery - it could be higher than I think, and even higher than my present weight.

The fat-muscle, flab-fitness, calorie input/output mystery I have yet to fathom.

[ttdriver]

Just because you're thin, doesn't make you healthy.

Good health has many contributing factors, not the least of which is a healthy weight. Exercise, adequate rest, ample water, enjoyable recreation, and nutrition all have vital roles in keeping us at a healthy weight.

Health is not measured by weight alone. I was thin back in my 20s and 30s but certainly not because of a healthy diet! I didn't exercise, I ate tons of junk foods. Payback came in my 40s when I put on 40+ pounds and had every ache and pain imaginable.

Thank God for Dr. Atkins.

Betty