Hey there Guys. Today I was interested to see that the Australian National Medical Research Counsel has suggested that exercise needs to increase to 60-90 minutes to prevent the current “obesity epidemic”.
As noted at News.com.au:
At least 60-90 minutes of activity a day are required to prevent weight gain in previously obese people, according to new official dietary guidelines released today.
Australians have also been told to cut their consumption of white bread, high fat milk, hot chips, take away food and cakes and biscuits amid warnings 85 per cent of males and 75 per cent of women will be obese by 2025.
The nation’s peak medical body the National Medical Research Council says we need to eat more vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, fish and low fat dairy products.
While I absolutely agree with healthy eating and movement I do feel that the role of exercise is sometimes over emphasised.
As I discuss with my patients weight loss is made in the kitchen, not at the gym.
Exercise is important but the focus should not be on the balance of calories eaten vs calories burnt exercising. Exercise has a much more important role in weight loss: Reducing blood sugar levels and increasing the sensitivity to insulin, the main hormon associated with weight gain and obesity.
I fear that mandated 60-90 minutes of exercise each day is sometimes unrealistic for the everyday guy. Lofty goals can set people up for failure that leads to no exercise rather then moderate amounts done on a regular basis.
For me the keys to a healthy body is a diet filled with fresh vegetables and fruit, limiting starchy carbs like bread, rice, potato and pasta, and 30 minutes of physical movement every day.
When done consistently your body will come to a natural equilibrium of weight and energy.
Even if at the start you can only do 10-15 minutes of movement that is better then nothing and feeling like a failure.
Yours in good health.
Dr George
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