Beefy Brits to Get Paid for Walking

In fighting obesity, little things don't count for much

(NEWSER) - Obesity experts would beg to disagree with the first lady, who said last month that it's the "small changes that add up" in fighting childhood obesity. Contrary to what Michelle Obama and many dieters believe, the body is actually wired to adapt to minor lifestyle changes—one less cookie a day, a few extra minutes of walking—to prevent these changes from making you lose weight. Small steps may prevent weight gain, but it takes big moves to take off pounds. More»

Mayor challenges porky Oklahoma City residents to lose 1M pounds in 2008

(NEWSER) - Oklahoma City tipped the scales in 2007 as America's 15th fattest city—and Mayor Mike Cornett is bent on tackling his town's porkish propensities. He's challenged residents to lose a million pounds in '08, and includes shedding extra weight among his own New Year's resolutions. His program revolves around a website packed with recipes, a body mass index calculator and planned blogs. More»

Government would broaden eco-friendly schemes to address health concerns

(NEWSER) - In light of dire predictions about the cost of the obesity crisis, England wants 10 previously planned eco-friendly towns to also combat obesity by promoting healthy lifestyles, the Guardian reported today. Among the proposals: more bike lanes; safe walking routes to school and the downtown area; larger and more modern parks, playgrounds and leisure centers. More»

Europe's fattest nation could rack up millions in health care

(NEWSER) - Two sobering reports have frantic Brits casting about for ways to combat their obesity epidemic, reports the Christian Science Monitor. England is the fattest country in Europe and half of its population could be obese by 2050, the reports warn. Now the country is looking into everything from regulating junk food to requiring workplaces to provide daily exercise hours. More»

Six tips to help keep you from sabotaging your fitness regimen

(NEWSER) - All that work, and still no six-pack? Newsweek tips you off to six ways you may be hurting your results—and your body.

1. Reading while exercising: You need focus for results.
2. Excessive sweating: Losing water weight is not the same as losing fat.
3. Skipping resistance training: Lift for long-term results.