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October 13, 2008 8:15:34 AM CDT

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Myth: Exercise Keeps You Lean

Posted Sep 27, 07 6:19 PM CDT in Science & Health,  Arts & Living,  US 

(Newser) – The idea that exercise is the key to shedding pounds is relatively modern—and a whole lot of hogwash, Gary Taubes argues in New York magazine. Though the theory that working out makes us lose weight has been around since the 1960s, scientific research has consistently shown that the relationship between weight and exercise is spurious.

Groups that advocate regular exercise—the American Heart Association, for instance—say such a regimen is key to “promote and maintain health," but won't say it leads to weight loss. A Finnish study showed that exercise could, in some cases, lead to faster weight gain. Stick to the program, Taubes writes, but don't expect your waistline to shrink as your self-esteem expands.

Source New York

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Even the most rigorous of reports are ambiguous when it comes to the facts about the effect of exercise on weight loss.   (Shutterstock.com)
Anecdotal evidence has always supported a relationship between exercise and weight loss, but the truth might be more complicated, and less rewarding.   (Shutterstock.com)
The commonly accepted relationship between exercise and getting thinner emerged in the sixties, and was previously considered a laughable notion.   (Shutterstock.com)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Do you have to do 45-60 min. of cardio exercise to burn fat   (drpearsall (YouTube))

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obesity  • exercise  • diet  • health study  • weight loss  • obesity epidemic  • nutrition  • waistline


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