Nov 5, 2009 4:58 pm US/Eastern
Study: Exercise Alone Not Enough For Weight Loss
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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We've all heard that we should exercise to help us lose weight, but new research confirms that exercise is only part of the equation.
A recent study finds that very few people can lose a significant amount of weight by just exercising alone, without changing their eating habits as well.
Kate Marcus exercises several times a week to help her stay in shape.
"I work out three or times a week before work," Marcus says. "It's tiring but it makes you feel better in the long run health wise."
But if you're trying to lose weight, researchers in Denver say exercising alone won't be enough. You have to also watch what you eat. And despite popular belief, people don't actually burn up extra fat throughout the day after they work out.
Dr. Caroline Apovian of Boston Medical Center says exercise will help you lose weight but it does it as long as you burn more than you eat.
"If you eat enough to compensate," Dr. Apovian explains, "You're not going to lose weight."
Experts stress that exercising can help you maintain your weight and of course has many other health benefits.
"Exercise keeps you fit in terms of cardiovascular health and avoiding diabetes," Dr. Apovian adds. "And if you burn more than you have taken in, you will lose weight."
So, if you want to lose weight you have to exercise and reduce your calorie intake at the same time. And remember, the average person burns 200 to 300 calories during a 30-minute work-out which you would easily replace by simply having a sports drink.
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