Sunday 26 September 2010

People constantly tell me that exercise is the best way to lose weight and I am increasingly worried about predictions that 50 per cent of our population will be overweight or obese by 2030...

Everything I have read recently suggests that exercise as a means of losing weight has been exaggerated and that putting the emphasis on exercise means that we are unlikely to tackle obesity. I know that exercise releases endorphins, reduces depression, and has a major impact on heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, and dementia and it is obvious that we live longer and healthier when we exercise. The truth, I am told, is that other than stopping smoking, there is nothing you can do for yourself that is better than exercise but is there? Isn't it true that we are what we eat!

Please let me know what you think we can and should do about this epidemic!
Chris

2 comments:

Ali said...

Chris you are absolutly right about it being a combination of exercise and what you eat that has long term benefits. Since starting working with my personal trainer (never thought I'd say that) it has been through well planned exercise along with sensible eating habits that I have lost two and a half stones! I do not enjoy running but now think carefully about how much exercise I will need to do if my eating does stray. I am doing another 10k in Nov just to keep on track. This is the message we must share if we are to avoid an uncertain future for ourselves. Where will the money come from to pay for the intensive health care if we continue on this track. We are starting at Victoria with our weekly pilates class for staff. Children and familes next? Whatever we will plan something to engage them.

Chris Edwards said...

Hi Alison,great to hear your take on this and how you are doing at Victoria Primary School. Brilliant to think you re doing the 10k! Setting the standard for the rest of us to keep up with is what you constantly do! I love it!
Chris