Weighty matters

The latest position stand from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) on weight loss and the prevention of weight regain highlights the continuing battle with obesity and overweight in the North American population. According to the statement “overweight and obesity affects more than 66% of the adult population and is associated with a variety of chronic diseases”. The Canadian Academy of Sports & Exercise Medicine (CASEM) discussion paper on physical inactivity in children and adolescents indicates that “over the past several decades, obesity has increased by 54% in children 6 to 11 years old and 39% in adolescents 12 to 17 years old”.

Recommendations from these organizations for weight loss and preventing weight gain include:

• 150-250 minutes per week of moderately vigorous physical activity should be sufficient for preventing weight gain greater than 3%
• physical activity lasting longer than 150 minutes per week usually results in modest weight lossc
• consistent physical activity is the best predictor of sustained weight management following weight loss
• most studies demonstrate that combining caloric restriction (diet) and physical activity in a weight management program has encouraging weight loss results
• exercise programs combining aerobic training and resistance exercise show superior results for weight and fat loss

All the more reason for us to get out there and get active!

For more information on physical activity and body weight contact SIRC.