A recent study performed at Leeds Metropolitan University in England has produced some fascinating results. A group of 62 obese women ages 24 to 55 were put on exercise programs where they were required to perform 4 hours of exercise each week. They did circuit training, water aerobics and Tai Chi. They DID NOT diet. They were told to eat whatever they wanted but in moderation. In addition to exercising they received instruction on how to cook healthfully, how to read food labels and they also received some behavioral therapy which taught them how to recognize and respond better to hunger and satiety cues in their bodies.

At the end of 3 months they were found to have lost about 4 kilo, as opposed to the women in the control group who had gained about 3 kilo.

The interesting thing is that these women showed increased health. They lowered their cholesterol, blood pressure and increased their respiratory fitness. They felt better about themselves and their bodies. They achieved better health - mental and physical!!!

I find this information fascinating, especially in an era when the medical establishment is always busy coming down on overweight people and blaming all (or many) of their ailments on overweight. This new study suggests that we can focus less on the weight and more on health.

Have a look at the original article. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6206572.stm

Then, have a look at this fitness program for people OVER 40:

http://www.denagottlieb.com/recommends/FitOver40

To our heart health!!

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