Wednesday, April 17, 2013

More Proof That Exercise is Important in Weight Management and for Good Health

Since overweight and obesity continue to be worldwide problems, methods to deal with the problems continue to gain attention. Whatever the methods employed, the overweight or obese person is usually told to modify his or her lifestyle with the inclusion of a low calorie diet and increased physical activity. Indeed, the importance of exercise for weight management and for overall health has been highlighted by recent studies.

Fat cells secrete a number of proteins. Not all of the proteins necessarily benefit the body. However, adiponectin, a protein secreted by the fat cells, appears to have mostly healthy effects on the body. Adiponectin is associated with lower inflammation and the protein is an insulin enhancer. And one study indicates that "exercise improved adiponectin levels irrespective of weight gain or loss" in Korean women who were obese.

Another study shows that “Exercise in groups followed by counseling or vice versa had beneficial effects on waist circumference, weight, and VO(2max), [maximum aerobic capacity], in women with PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome]. ” So a counseling approach which puts an appropriate focus on exercise could be effective in weight management, and for overall health. The 5A counseling model is viewed as a way to improve counseling effectiveness.

Using the 5A process to emphasize diet and exercise, weight loss workers could help their overweight clients change their lifestyle. Working through the 5A process, a weight loss worker would Assess the risks associated with the overweight individual’s behavior, Advise the individual to change behaviors that will likely lead to weight loss and better health, Agree to and help the overweight person put goals in place, Assist the overweight person in overcoming barriers that hinder weight management changes, and Arrange for ongoing follow-up activities.

We know that a healthy diet is important in weight loss, weight control, and for general health. And while exercise is not as effective for weight loss as diet, exercise is important in weight management and general health. Since the 5A counseling approach is believed to be effective, employment of the method, with a focus on diet and exercise, could greatly benefit the overweight or obese patient.

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