Do I Have to Exercise to Lose Weight?
I don't want to exercise and I hate exercise. I just want to diet. Can't I just diet and lose weight? The answer is "yes." But before you get too excited about that simple answer, here is what you need to know about losing weight and exercise:
- Without some weight-bearing activity, (such as walking) much of your weight loss will include loss of muscle. At best, the weight loss will be temporary because muscle burns more calories than fat. That means your metabolism will slow down to a crawl and you will need to eat less and less to stay at your proper weight.
- The more you move, the lower your risk of diabetes. If you can walk or do some type of activity for a combined total of about 3 hours per week, you will lower your risk of diabetes by 40% (Journal Amer. Med Assoc, 1999).
- Strength training exercise increases bone density. Staying active with some strength training and walking helps maintain balance and reaction time especially in older adults.
- Your body was made to move! Keep moving to assist your body in the functions of cellular replacement, digestion and proper oxygen useage.
In addition, combined activity of 30 minutes per day leads to better sleep, lower blood pressure, anxiety/stress relief and a healthy heart.
You can lose weight without exercise, but why would you want to when all the benefits of better health are available. Be active...Stay hydrated....Be well........
Denise C Williams, CLC
